National Park
North Cascades National Park
Washington
United States
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North Cascades National Park | Hiking & Washington Guide
Current park status
13 active alerts
Current park status
13 active alerts
Park Closure
Cascade River Road Closed for the Winter Season
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Cascade River Road is closed at milepost 21 (Johnson Cabin) two miles before the trailhead. Cascade River Road usually opens in mid-summer depending on snow and road damage. Do not block gate. Foot and bicycle traffic is permitted beyond the gate.
Park Closure
Cascade River Road Closure
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Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 21 (Johnson's Cabin) two miles before the trailhead. Foot and bicycle traffic is permitted beyond the gate. Do not block gate.
Caution
Delays on Cascade River Road Starting October 13
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Due to road maintenance there may be delays on Cascade River Road beyond milepost 20 (Eldorado) three miles before the trailhead beginning October 13.
Park Closure
Campfire Ban in Portions of the Park Complex
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Fire restrictions remain in effect for Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the area of North Cascades National Park located in Chelan County. This includes all National Park Service lands south and east of Cascade Pass, Park Creek Pass, and Rainy Pass as well as the entire Stehekin Valley.
Park Closure
Marblemount Bridge September Nighttime Closure
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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.
Caution
Level 1 Fire Advisory for areas in Stehekin
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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.
Danger
Smoke from Wildfires May Affect Air Quality
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Smoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
Information
Stehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin Landing
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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.
Caution
Stehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow Area
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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 Closure
Hozomeen Gate Remains Closed
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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 Closure
Fire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp Closures
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For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
Caution
Diablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to Powerboats
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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.
Caution
Be Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20
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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.
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National Park
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park protects one of the wildest mountain landscapes in Washington State, where jagged peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, old-growth forests, and deep river valleys create a spectacular wilderness. Located within reach of Seattle but far removed from urban life, the North Cascades reward travelers who come prepared to hike, backpack, climb, camp, and explore.
The North Cascades Highway provides the most accessible introduction to the region. Scenic stops and nearby trails reveal forested valleys, mountain views, and striking blue-green waters throughout the greater park complex. Ross Lake and the surrounding mountains provide opportunities for boating, paddling, fishing, camping, and wilderness exploration.
Hiking is one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park. Hundreds of miles of trails range from short forest walks to demanding mountain routes leading toward alpine lakes and high passes. Cascade Pass is among the park’s classic hiking destinations, while trails around Thunder Creek, Thornton Lakes, and other areas provide additional opportunities to experience the rugged landscape.
Backpacking and mountaineering take visitors even deeper into the North Cascades. Remote camps, glacier-covered peaks, and extensive wilderness make the park especially rewarding for experienced outdoor travelers seeking multi-day adventures.
The wider North Cascades complex also includes the remote Stehekin Valley at the northern end of Lake Chelan. With no road connection to the rest of Washington, Stehekin is reached by boat, plane, or trail and offers hiking, camping, lodging, and a remarkably isolated mountain experience.
Lodging inside the greater park complex is limited, while communities along Highway 20 and in the Skagit, Methow, and Lake Chelan areas provide additional hotels, cabins, restaurants, and visitor services.
Whether you drive the North Cascades Highway, hike toward an alpine pass, paddle on Ross Lake, or disappear into the backcountry for several days, North Cascades National Park offers one of the most rugged and rewarding wilderness experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
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Weather forecast
Plan your visit with the latest weather forecast for this park.
This Afternoon
37°F3°C
Slight Chance Rain And Snow
SSE 10 mph16 km/h Rain: 76%
Tonight
29°F-2°C
Rain And Snow
SSW 12 mph19 km/h Rain: 100%
Saturday
32°F0°C
Light Snow Likely
SSW 12 mph19 km/h Rain: 72%
Saturday Night
28°F-2°C
Snow
SE 18 mph28 km/h Rain: 100%
Sunday
31°F-1°C
Light Snow
SW 15 mph24 km/h Rain: 100%
Sunday Night
24°F-4°C
Light Snow Likely
WNW 12 mph19 km/h Rain: 59%
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.
Location and map
Things To Buy
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Directions
North Cascades National Park is located in northwestern Washington, with State Route 20—the North Cascades Highway—providing the primary road corridor through the greater park complex.
Travelers approaching from Seattle can follow Interstate 5 north toward Burlington and then take State Route 20 east through Sedro-Woolley toward the mountains. The highway continues past communities such as Marblemount and Newhalem and provides access to trails, campgrounds, overlooks, and destinations around Ross Lake.
From eastern Washington, State Route 20 approaches the North Cascades through the Methow Valley and connects with routes toward Winthrop, Twisp, and Okanogan.
Not every destination can be reached by car. Stehekin, at the northern end of Lake Chelan, has no road connection to the rest of Washington and must be reached by passenger ferry, private boat, plane, or trail.
The North Cascades Highway is seasonal across the highest mountain section and normally closes during winter because of snow and avalanche danger. Always check current road conditions before planning a cross-park drive.
Climate
North Cascades National Park has a rugged mountain climate with major differences in weather depending on elevation and which side of the Cascade Range you visit. Conditions can change rapidly, and rain or cold weather is possible even during summer.
Mid-June through late September generally provides the best weather for hiking and mountain travel. By July, snow has usually disappeared from most lower and mid-elevation trails, although high routes can remain snow-covered well into summer.
The western slopes receive considerably more Pacific moisture and support lush evergreen forests. Areas east of the Cascade crest are generally warmer and drier during summer, with temperatures around Stehekin sometimes reaching the 90s°F.
Fall brings colder nights and increasing storms. Winter produces heavy mountain snow, while avalanches and deep snow restrict access to high-elevation roads and trails. Spring arrives slowly as the snowpack melts.
For summer hiking, carry rain gear and warm layers regardless of the forecast. Always check weather, snow, trail, and road conditions for the specific area and elevation you plan to explore.
Camping
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Information & Disclaimer
National Parks Explorer strives to present accurate and up-to-date information collected from official and trusted sources, including the National Park Service. While we make every effort to keep this information current, information may be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated or subject to change without prior notice, including access requirements, permits, reservations, operating hours, alerts, fees, road and trail conditions, weather and other visitor information.