North Cascades National Park

Spanning more than 500,000 acres, the North Cascades National Park is one of the largest of three National Park Service units in Washington State. It was established as a National Park in 1968 in order to preserve the mountain scenery, snowfield, glaciers, waterfalls and alpine meadows that make up the North Cascades. Since then it has been nicknamed the “American Alps.” 

The park offers numerous campgrounds, backcountry camps, boat-in sites, and hiking trails. Popular hikes include Thunder Knob, Cascade Pass, Maple Pass Loop, and Hidden Lake. The Gorge Overlook and Diablo Lake Overlook are also popular destinations.

Wherever your adventure takes you, don't forget to recreate responsibly: know before you go, plan and prepare, build an inclusive outdoors, respect others, leave no trace, and make the park better.  

⚠️ Campfires Banned in North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Effective Friday, July 12, 2024, 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 – North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels for the purpose of cooking are allowed in all locations while cooking.

The North Cascades Institute is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that inspires and empowers people to enjoy and learn about the mountains, rivers, and forests of the Pacific Northwest. The Institute offers a variety of classes, programs, getaways, and camps at their award-winning campus in the heart of the North Cascades National Park!