North Cascades
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.
Official-source overview · detailed planning coverage is still being reviewed
At a glance
- State / territory
- Washington
- Region
- West
The official overview below is available now. Park-specific fees, distances, climate tables, and reviewed day plans are shown only when their supporting records have been reviewed. Check current access and arrangements with the park before travel.
Plan this visit
Build your park visit
Use this interactive tool with JavaScript enabled. Park guides and official information remain available below.
When to go
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.
General official weather guidance; historical context, not a forecast.
Arrive and stay
Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.
Official directionsRisks and official checks
Conditions, access, reservations, and operating hours can change. This website is a planning resource and does not provide live conditions.
Official park informationSources and your trip kit
Where this information comes from
Park overview information is drawn from identified official sources. Published guide facts, assumptions, and editorial decisions retain their own review records.
Source retrieved: 2026-10-01. This is not a live-conditions check.
National Park Service: North Cascades
Image credit: NPS Photo/D.Dixon. See the image credits.
Data release 0 · Independent planning resource. Not affiliated with the National Park Service.