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National Park

North Cascades National Park

Park ClosureJun 25, 2026

Campfire Ban in All Portions of the Park Complex Begins June 29

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Park ClosureJun 22, 2026

Road Closures - Cascade River Road

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Park ClosureJun 16, 2026

Campground Closure - Goodell Creek Campground

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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.

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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

Jun 29, 2026

June 29 North Cascades Fires Update

Fire behavior remains minimal on the four fires within North Cascades National Park Service Complex with slight moisture and cooler temperatures across the area.

Jun 26, 2026

Lightning Storms Ignite Fires in North Cascades National Park Service Complex

On Wednesday, June 24, numerous lightning strikes occurred over several areas across North Cascades National Park Service Complex and surrounding areas. On Thursday four fires were observed within the park complex through air reconnaissance: Borderline, Rigby, View, and Little Beaver Fires.

Jun 25, 2026

Campfire Ban in All Portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex Begins June 29

Effective Monday, June 29, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.