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Seattle, Washington / Daytrip

North Cascades National Park

A rugged alpine wilderness in northwestern Washington, North Cascades National Park preserves over 300 glaciers and some of the wildest mountain scenery in the United States.

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North Cascades National Park
National Park Service/Deby Dixon, Public domain

What is North Cascades National Park known for?

The park is known for its rugged wilderness and mountain scenery, containing over 300 glaciers. It is the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.

Is it free to visit?

There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park, although a Federal Recreation Pass is required at posted trailheads and recreation sites.

How do I get to the park?

Primary access is via the State Route 20 corridor. Additionally, the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) can be reached from Chelan by plane or ferry.

How far is it from Seattle?

The park is approximately 100 miles northeast of Seattle and is less than three hours away by road.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established on October 2, 1968, North Cascades National Park serves as a rugged wilderness sanctuary in northwestern Washington. The park is located across Whatcom, Skagit, and Chelan counties, spanning more than 500,000 acres, making it the largest unit within the North Cascades National Park Complex. This vast expanse of mountain country is managed by the U.S. National Park Service to preserve some of the wildest and most spectacular places in the United States. One of the most striking features of the park is its glaciated landscape. It contains over 300 glaciers, which makes it the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska. This alpine environment is characterized by high peaks and deep valleys, where more than 94% of the park is federally designated wilderness, ensuring the preservation of its raw, natural beauty. Visitors can explore the park via the State Route 20 corridor, which provides primary access to the heart of the North Cascades. The landscape has a history of occupation by Native Americans, early European and American fur traders, explorers, homesteaders, and miners. Today, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, picnics, and miles of trails for hiking and biking, experiencing the finest mountain country in the region. For those seeking deeper exploration, the park is part of a 684,000-acre contiguous complex that includes the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. While Lake Chelan (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan, the rest of the park is primarily accessible by road. Unlike Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, there is no fee to enter the park itself.

Visitor tips

  • Use State Route 20 as your primary access point to enter the park
  • Check for a Federal Recreation Pass if you are visiting posted recreation sites and trailheads
  • Visit the Park and Forest Information Center in Sedro-Woolley for daily guidance from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
  • Plan for a long drive; the park is approximately 100 miles northeast of Seattle

Nearby context

Situated in the rugged mountains of northwestern Washington, the park is part of a larger contiguous complex of protected lands including the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, creating a massive wilderness sanctuary across Whatcom, Skagit, and Chelan counties.

Sources

Evidence and links