North Cascades National Park
Designation: National Park
Location: Washington
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Stehekin sits at the top of Lake Chelan, welcoming visitors to take a life at a slower pace.
Credit: NPS Photo/D.Dixon
Grab your tent, your sleeping bag, and adventurous soul and camp along Ross Lake.
Credit: NPS Photo/D. Dixon
Let the wow factor exceed your expectations while hiking Cascade Pass.
Credit: NPS Photo/D. Dixon
Explore the trails and backcountry camping and climbing in a landscape over 9,000 feet of vertical relief.
Credit: NPS Photo/D. Dixon
Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers as you traverse the landscape.
Credit: NPS Photo/T. Baldwin
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Aug 27
Smoky haze
High: 72.5°F | Low: 57.4°F
Humidity: 54%
Wind: 7.8 mph
Rain Chance: 3%
UV Index: 5.5
Sunrise: 06:14 AM
Sunset: 07:57 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 54.8°F
Cloud Cover: 3%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Aug 28
Patchy rain nearby
High: 57.7°F | Low: 40.9°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 5.1 mph
Rain Chance: 24%
UV Index: 4
Sunrise: 06:16 AM
Sunset: 07:55 PM
Moon: Full Moon (98%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 44.4°F
Cloud Cover: 24%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Aug 29
Light rain shower
High: 46.7°F | Low: 38.2°F
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 5.1 mph
Rain Chance: 93%
UV Index: 2
Sunrise: 06:17 AM
Sunset: 07:53 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (94%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 39.8°F
Cloud Cover: 93%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Air Quality Alert issued August 27 at 10:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Effective: Aug 27, 2026 1:00pm
Expires: Aug 28, 2026 3:00pm
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies:
Washington Department of Ecology
An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Chelan, Douglas, and
Okanogan Counties until further notice due to current and expected
smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach
Unhealthy levels for areas downwind from active wildfires. Be sure to
check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities.
When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure.
Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips
for cleaner indoor air.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger Talk
Join a park ranger for a 30-minute talk to discover one of the many fascinating stories of the North Cascades.
Meet at the North Cascades Visitor Center
Date: Jun 9, 2026 12:00am to Jun 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
All About Bears Program
Learn all about bears, their behavior, and how to stay safe in bear country in this 30-minute program.
Meet at Colonial Creek South Campground Amphitheater.
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Junior Ranger Program
Become a Junior Ranger at this interactive 30-minute program.
Meet at Newhalem Creek Campground Amphitheater.
Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Trail of Cedars Guided Walk
Join a ranger for a 45-minute, one-third mile accessible walk to discover the sights, sounds, and stories along the Trail of Cedars.
Meet at Trail of Cedars in Newhalem.
Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
🏤 Mailing Address:
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
📞 Voice Phone: 3608547200
📞 Fax Phone: 3608561934
✉️ Email: noca_information@nps.gov