In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. There are several small towns to the east of the national park. Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. In terms of the times when visitors are common, the months of April to June and late September to late October are some of the least busy times. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. Check out the Mazama Country Inn and the Freestone Inn. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. In 2021, it only had 18,000 visitors, making it the 4th least visited national park in the United States. Location: Washington. Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. But if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. However, you can still drive to Diablo Lake and hike some of the lower-elevation trails like Thunder Knob. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (Olympic and Mount Rainier are also well worth the visit). The most popular time to visit North Cascades National Park is July through September, when the snow has melted from the trails and the sun shines high in the sky. Some good options for entry-level scrambles and summits are: With beautiful mountainous lakes right off the highway, there are countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and other water activities in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. In mid-July, most trails are snow-free (except at the highest elevations on mountain peaks. Destinations. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2022 United States 25 Comments. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. Spring snags . This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. We will be taking this trip in September 2023, following your itinerary in reverse because it will fit better with a Labor Day concert weekend at the Gorge . There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. 1. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. Paul Peak is a quiet summit at a popular national park. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. To save money on your visit, the key is thorough planning. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. It is not overly difficult and from the trail, you get to see wonderful views of Stehekin Valley, Lake Chelan, Rainbow Creek, wildflowers, and the surrounding mountains. Highway 20 (also known as North Cascades Highway) runs east west through the park, along the Skagit River, bisecting the park into two pieces. Cost per night: $20/night for reservations. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. Re: Is mid September a good time to visit North Cascades 8 years ago Save Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the Ross Lake Recreation Area. She is passionate about intersectional social justice in the outdoors and creating outdoor access for all. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. For a longer river hike in Stehekin, try the Stehekin River Trail, or for more elevation gain and more spectacular views, hike the 15 round trip up to Purple Pass. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Rainy Lake Trail is an easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Stehekin. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. There are no roads to Stehekin. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. Huckleberries and blueberries, heather and many more. The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. The average temperature in North Cascades National Park in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 63F (17C) and a low of 43F (6C). Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. MOUNT RAINIER: Check out our Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. While that snow often appears at higher elevations, it can have a big impact on parts of the park at a lower elevation. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. Whether you end up booking a trip with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. It covers nearly 1 million acres of land and is home to miles of ocean coastline, a temperate rainforest, and the Olympic Mountain range. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. Description. If you want to stay in the national park along Highway 20, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodge in this area of the park. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. 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