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National Park in Washington, United States
Photo: Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
North Cascades National Park is a national park in northwest Washington State, on the border with Canada. The park's protect a remote wilderness where steep glacier-capped mountains rise nearly 10,000 ft above pristine lakes. This park has more glaciers than anywhere else in the contiguous U.S., making for exceptional alpine scenery and mountain climbing.
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This company town is populated entirely by employees of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The dams along the Skagit River, first constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, account for about 20% of the electricity used by Seattle.
Walk the short interpretive trail to see Gorge Lake and Gorge Dam. Also stop on the Gorge Creek Bridge to spot Gorge Creek Falls in the ravine behind the highway.
The dam built in Diablo Canyon, a solid granite gorge with vertical walls rising 160 ft from the river bed. When it was completed in 1936, Diablo Dam was the tallest dam in the world at 389 ft.
This brilliantly blue reservoir is flanked by some of the steepest slopes in the park. The turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to surrounding glaciers grinding rocks into glacial flour that stays suspended in the lake.
This reservoir stretches past the Canadian border, flanked by some of the most jagged mountains in the entire range, especially Hozomeen Mountain. A pair of overlooks describe the geologic history and the writers who have been inspired by the North Cascades.
At 4855 ft, a viewpoint and a popular trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail.
Washington Pass is the highest point on the highway at 5477 ft. A short walk to a scenic vista showcases the highway winding below the Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires.
Especially the section from Rainy Pass to High Bridge and Stehekin
A popular cross country bicycle route. In the spring, after the road is cleared of snow, the park allows cyclist-only access for about a week before opening to car traffic.
10 flat miles with minimal car traffic, in one of the most remote regions of the country.
North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers boat tours of Diablo Lake and the Upper Skagit Valley.
Hosts a canteen serving burgers and similar fare to hungry hikers.
Famous throughout the region for its massive cinnamon rolls, this bakery counts as one of Stehekin's major attractions.
The only fine dining within at least 50 miles. Reservations required.
Has 15 cabins that are allocated by lottery starting in January.
Closed for the 2026 season due to flood damage in late 2025.
41 sites. Camp in old growth forest at the base of the impressively glaciated Colonial Peak on the shore of Diablo Lake. Elevation 1200 feet. Fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch. Near Trailhead for Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
93 sites (1 group site). Remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the shore of Diablo Lake. Elevation 1200 feet. Fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch. Near Trailhead for Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
21 sites (2 group sites). Situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Elevation 500'. Appropriate for tents and small RVs. Drinking water, garbage service, and vault toilets provided. No hook-ups or showers. Covered picnic shelter. Gathering firewood is prohibited, but firewood can be purchased outside of the park. Recreational Opportunities: Raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River. Fishing on the Skagit and tributaries.
8 sites. On the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek. Elevation 900'. Primitive camp with no water. Vault toilets. Recycling and trash collection. Recreational Opportunities: Boat launch on Gorge Lake. Fishing on Gorge Lake. Hiking trails nearby.
107 sites (2 group sites). On the banks of the Skagit River, near many natural and historic destinations. Elevation 500'. Recreational Opportunities: Several short walks and interpretive trails. Fishing on the Skagit River.
7 sites (1 group site)
9 sites
6 sites
Basic groceries, camping supplies, souvenirs, and some to-go convenience food.
By car
WA-20, the North Cascades Highway, is the only major road in the park. To the west, it joins Interstate 5 at Burlington. To the east, it passes through Winthrop to Eastern Washington.
By ferry
There is daily passenger ferry service (no cars) across Lake Chelan to Stehekin, in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
By public transit
There is no public transit that reaches the park. Skagit Transit Routes 70X and 717 serve Concrete. Link Transit serves the Lady of the Lake dock in Chelan.
By foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well-known trail that extends along the West Coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada.
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Everett · Regional · PAE
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