Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Park

North Cascades National Park

Park ClosureAug 21, 2026

Marblemount Bridge August-September Nighttime Closure

View →
DangerAug 4, 2026

Smoke from Wildfires May Affect Air Quality

View →
InformationJul 8, 2026

Stehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin Landing

View →
boats on the water with mountains and trees surrounding

Stehekin sits at the top of Lake Chelan, welcoming visitors to take a life at a slower pace.

Photo: NPS Photo/D.Dixon

About

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.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group Camping
RV Camping
Climbing
Rock Climbing
Fishing
Guided Tours
Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Junior Ranger Program
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

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.

Get directions →

Weather

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.

News

August 20 North Cascades Fires Update
Aug 20, 2026

August 20 North Cascades Fires Update

Fire activity has been minimal over the past few days on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 7,296 acres in the United States, 43% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion.

August 17 North Cascades Fires Update
Aug 17, 2026

August 17 North Cascades Fires Update

Fire activity and growth was minimal over the weekend on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 14,604 acres total; 6,680 acres in the United States, 31% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion. Aviation support has been limited due to poor air visibility and weather.

August 14 North Cascades Fires Update
Aug 14, 2026

August 14 North Cascades Fires Update

Fire activity was minimal yesterday on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 14,336 acres total; 6,556 acres in the United States) due to an inversion with cloud cover with slight rain and hail. Aviation was limited due to poor air visibility and weather.