How to Explore North Cascades National Park

Enjoy jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers in the North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas are all managed by the North Cascades National Park. These complementary protected lands are united by an overlay of Stephen Mather Wilderness. Almost 400 miles of trails allow visitors to experience nature. A visitor can climb a mountain, go on scenic drives, hike, boat and fish.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable shoes
• Daypack
• Camera
• Transportation

1. Take a hike. The hiking season stretches from April through October. The driest and most popular time to visit is during the summer months of mid-June through September. The higher elevation trails often remain snow-covered well into July and sometimes August. Precipitation and snowfall are greatest from November through March. The park's winters are wet, and snowfall is heavy.

2. Go climb a mountain. North Cascades National Park is renowned for its climbing terrain. You will find climbing routes of high quality, guarded by remote, rugged access and weather volatility. The numerous peaks and over 300 glaciers present a variety of challenges and rewards. You can do technical rock climbing or intricate glacier travel, all within a wilderness setting. Routes can be arduous, requiring strenuous crosscountry travel, sometimes for days to go through icy creeks or rivers and steep snow. Maybe you want to traverse slopes in steep, slippery terrain. The physical and mental challenge can push climbers to their limits, and changes in the weather can stop a summit bid. But when you finally stand on the top of a summit in the North Cascades, looking out over a jagged, glaciated mountain range, you will understand why these peaks draw climbers and wilderness travelers again and again.

3. Run some rapids. River rafting is an excellent adventure worth planning for. Experienced boaters run the Skagit and Stehekin Rivers. Ask for a list of local outfitters at any ranger station.

4. Get in a boat. Kayaking, canoeing and motor boating are great adventures. Boat and paddling rentals are available at Ross Lake and Lake Chelan. Ramps are located at Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake, Lake Chelan and the north end of Ross Lake at Hozomeen. Personal watercraft are not allowed in the North Cascades National Park.

5. Go fishing. Fishing anywhere in the North Cascades National Park requires a valid Washington State fishing license. The Skagit River, one of Washington's major watersheds, is home to seven species of fish (five salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout) and freshwater trout and char. Diablo and Gorge Lakes have been stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, but Ross Lake, which has been left natural, offers quality sport fishing.

6. Watch birds. Over 200 species in 38 families can be found in park habitats that range from alpine meadows to low elevation forests and wetlands. Three species (bald eagle, marbled murrelet, and spotted owl) are listed as "threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very careful in the North Cascades National Park. Terrain there gets dangerous fast especially if the season is changing.