If this is your first time to visit North Cascades National Park, then you may be finding planning your trip there a little overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for first-time visitors to North Cascades to feel that way.
Which is why I’ve compiled these travel tips.
I’m James Ian and I’m a national park expert. I’m happy to share my travel tips for North Cascades National Park with you.
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and I’ll send you a free PDF of this Guide:
10 Tips For Visiting North Cascades National Park
No time right now to read these tips for visiting North Cascades National Park? Pin It and save it for later:
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
Table of Contents
1. Plan your visit for the summer months if you want full access to all park areas
If you’re aiming to fully experience North Cascades National Park, go in summer. While the park is open year-round, many roads and trails are inaccessible during winter. The Washington and Rainy Passes, sitting at 5400 and 4800 feet respectively, typically open in May but sometimes as late as early June.
The park’s high elevation means that even in June, you can find trails covered in snow.
You can still find lower-altitude trails that you can hike in June. For example, the Thunder Knob trail, even with snow can be manageable in June – and the view of Diablo Lake from the summit is nothing short of breathtaking. If you hike in June (or even July), I recommend wearing microspikes, so you can hike safely.
➡️ If you’re looking for microspikes, check out my guide to the best microspikes for hiking. I have (and love) these Kahtoola Microspikes.
2. Don’t miss Washington Pass
Washington Pass (elevation 5,477 feet) is a dramatic mountain pass on State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) in the North Cascades mountains. It’s technically just outside he national park, but it’s close enough to include here.
In short – don’t miss it. There’s a good-sized parking lot and from there it’s a short 0.2-mile walk to an overlook with breathtaking views of Liberty Bell Mountain and the highway 700 feet below.
As you stand at Washington Pass, take a moment to appreciate the sheer scale of the North Cascades. The elevation here means you’re often above the cloud line, with the peaks rising like ancient sentinels around you. It’s a spot that reminds you why getting out into nature is so rewarding and why North Cascades National Park is a jewel in the crown of America’s wilderness areas.
3. Take a boat ride on Diablo and Ross Lakes
These two man-made lakes (they are formed by dams on the Skagit River), are incredibly beautiful. Unless you’re very short on time, getting out on at least one of the lakes will be a highlight of your trip.
The Diablo Ferry runs from late May to early November between the two lakes to Ross Lake resort. You can stay also overnight or rent motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and SUP’s to spend the whole day out on the water.
Whether you’re looking to fish, camp at remote sites, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the lake, a boat ride offers a unique vantage point of the park’s beauty.
Ross Lake is also a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for eagles soaring above or trout darting through the water. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive mountain goats that roam the higher rocky outcrops.
4. Visit Winthrop
Winthrop is reminiscent of the Old West. It lies just outside the eastern end of the national park. Since the 1970’s, it was designed to look like a set from and old Wild West movie in order to attract tourists.
It worked. It’s the perfect spot to refuel at the end of a day’s hiking and sample local brews.
The town’s small-scale charm is a stark contrast to the grandeur of the surrounding wilderness, providing a cozy retreat where you can share stories of your day’s exploits with fellow travelers. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find that Winthrop’s eateries and taprooms are as welcoming as they are delicious.
5. Take the ferry to Stehekin
For an off-the-grid experience, take the ferry to Stehekin, a remote community nestled at the head of Lake Chelan. It’s so remote that there are no roads to it. The only way to get there is my boat, sea plane, or to hike.
Most people go as a day trip because accommodations are limited and often book up to a year in advance. However, the effort to visit Stehekin is worthwhile, as it really is off the beaten path.
There are a couple of different ferry options.
The ferry ride itself is a scenic passage through the heart of the Cascades, with each bend in the lake revealing new wonders.
Once in Stehekin, you can explore the area’s natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to quiet trails that invite introspection.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance to secure your spot in this secluded paradise.
6. Bring plenty of water and snacks
Services within the park are few and far between, so bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
Having a good supply of water and snacks is more than just a matter of comfort; it’s about safety. The park’s remote nature means you can’t rely on a quick trip to a convenience store if you run out of supplies.
7. Pack for changing weather
The weather in North Cascades National Park can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, you might be basking in sunshine, and the next, you could find yourself in the midst of a sudden blizzard. I’ve experienced these rapid shifts myself during a September hike, and it was no joke!
To stay comfortable, pack rain gear and layers so that you can adapt to whatever conditions the park throws at you.
Layering is the key to comfort in the North Cascades. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer layer. This approach allows you to shed or add layers as needed, ensuring that you’re ready for anything from a warm afternoon to a chilly mountain pass.
8. Be bear aware
If you’re camping or hiking in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park, you’ll need to store your food and toiletries in bear-proof containers.
The park is home to both black bears and grizzlies, and while these creatures are cool to see from a distance, you don’t want them rummaging through your campsite or attracted to your picnic. Bear-proof canisters are designed to keep your scented items secure and to prevent bears from associating humans with food.
Proper storage not only protects you and your fellow campers, but it also keeps the bears wild and safe. Habituated bears can become a danger to people and often have to be relocated or euthanized. By using bear-proof containers and following the park’s guidelines, you contribute to the safety and preservation of these majestic animals.
➡️ If you’re just in the park for a day, take bear spray or a bell and/or whistle in case you encounter a bear on the trail.
9. Prepare for limited cell phone service
Cell phone service in the park is not great. This means you need to be prepared with physical maps or downloaded directions to navigate the park’s extensive trail system and remote roads.
Before you head out, stop by a visitor center to pick up maps and trail guides. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your route and highlight any key landmarks or junctions.
➡️ I like this National Geographic Topographic Trail Map.
If you prefer digital navigation, download maps and directions onto your device while you still have service.
10. Drive the scenic North Cascades Highway
No trip to North Cascades National Park is complete without driving the scenic North Cascades Highway (State Route 20). This spectacular route offers an ever-changing panorama of the park’s diverse ecosystems and geological features. As you drive, plan for stops at overlooks and points of interest; there are numerous pullouts where you can pause to take in the views and snap photos to remember your journey.
Be mindful of seasonal closures, as the North Cascades Highway is typically closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risk. Always check road conditions before your trip, especially if you’re traveling in the shoulder seasons.
Enjoy your trip to North Cascades!
More Planning Resources for North Cascades National Park
⭐ North Cascades National Park Guide
⭐ Planning A Trip to North Cascades National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How To Get to North Cascades National Park
⭐ The Airports Near North Cascades National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport to North Cascades National Park
⭐ Best Time To Visit North Cascades National Park
⭐ Visiting North Cascades National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ 10 Fun Facts About North Cascades National Park
Do you have any other tips for planning a trip to North Cascades National Park? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and I’ll send you a free PDF of this Guide:
10 Tips For Visiting North Cascades National Park
If you liked this North Cascades National Park travel guide with tips, Pin It to your North Cascades National Park board!
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to North Cascades National Park? Read my Guide to North Cascades National Park
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.