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National Park

North Cascades National Park

Park ClosureFeb 18, 2026

State Route 20 Closed MP134

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InformationJan 20, 2026

Flooding and Landslides Affecting Park Complex

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Park ClosureDec 8, 2025

Cascade River Road Winter Closure

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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

Dec 19, 2025

North Cascades Flooding Update

An additional storm system came through the area this week with heavy wind, rains, and freezing temperatures. In Stehekin, crews continue work to stabilize critical infrastructure and road access in preparation for winter conditions.

Dec 14, 2025

Heavy rains cause flooding and landslides in Stehekin

Severe flooding and landslides from recent heavy rains caused unsafe conditions and limited basic services in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Stehekin Valley. A Type 3 Incident Command Team is in place to coordinate emergency response. The team, alongside Chelan County Emergency Management, is working to ensure people are safe and have access to supplies and immediate essentials. Visitors should not travel to the Stehekin area; there are no services available.

Sep 29, 2025

Burn ban lifted in all areas of North Cascades National Park Service Complex

Effective Monday, Sept. 29, the burn ban is lifted on all lands within North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds in Stehekin, along State Route 20, and the Ross Lake area.