National Park · Pacific · WA
North Cascades National Park
Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.
Current alerts
Park ClosureMarblemount Bridge September Nighttime Closure
Skagit River Marblemount Bridge will be closed overnight for repairs September 14-18, Monday night-Friday morning, 8 pm-4 am. There is no access to Cascade River Road during the nighttime closure.
CautionLevel 1 Fire Advisory for areas in Stehekin
Chelan County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 Fire Advisory (Get Ready) for areas in Stehekin, Stehekin Valley Road from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge, including Company Creek Road and side roads. Visitors should be aware there is a wildfire in the area. There are park closures in effect. For park closures visit the Fire Closures page. Stehekin businesses are open and continue to welcome visitors outside of the closure areas.
DangerSmoke from Wildfires May Affect Air Quality
Smoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
InformationStehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin Landing
Visitor and recreational opportunities continue to be available in the Stehekin Valley. Some services are limited at the Stehekin Landing following flood damage in December 2025.
Park ClosureCampfire Ban in All Portions of the Park Complex Begins June 29
Effective Monday, June 29, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills. Propane fire pits are not allowed during the ban.
CautionStehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow Area
The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area
Park ClosureHozomeen Gate Remains Closed
Until further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.
Park ClosureFire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp Closures
For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
CautionDiablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to Powerboats
Due to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.
CautionBe Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20
Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.
Location
48.7117, -121.2069
Key trails & viewpoints
Day Hiking in North Cascades
Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.
Hours & fees
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
No entrance fee is charged at this park.
Activities
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Paddling
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Junior Ranger Program
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store