National Park

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a National Park in Washington. The NPS currently lists 7 active alerts (3 closures), 10 campgrounds and 4 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.

Washington National Park No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

boats on the water with mountains and trees surrounding
Stehekin - Looking down Lake Chelan · Photo: NPS Photo/D.Dixon (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

7

Closures

3

Campgrounds

10

Visitor centers

4

Current alerts and closures

7 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 3 closures, 0 danger, 3 caution and 1 information.

Closure

Cascade River Road Closure

Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 21 (Johnson's Cabin) two miles before the trailhead. Foot and bicycle traffic is permitted beyond the gate. Do not block gate.

Posted or updated Oct 26, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Closure

Hozomeen Gate Remains Closed

Until further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.

Posted or updated Feb 13, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Closure

Fire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp Closures

For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.

Posted or updated Jul 29, 2023 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Stehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow Area

The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area

Posted or updated May 16, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Diablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to Powerboats

Due to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.

Posted or updated Mar 30, 2023 ·Details on nps.gov

Caution

Be Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20

Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.

Posted or updated May 21, 2015 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Stehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin Landing

Visitor and recreational opportunities continue to be available in the Stehekin Valley. Some services are limited at the Stehekin Landing following flood damage in December 2025.

Posted or updated Jul 7, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.Parking or transportation fees may apply.

Things to do

Two hikers walk along a trail with mountains in the distance.
Photo: NPS / Deby Dixon

Day Hiking in North Cascades

Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Hiking

See all 6 things to do in North Cascades →

Activities the NPS lists for North Cascades.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingGuided ToursBus/Shuttle Guided TourHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingPaddlingJunior Ranger ProgramShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season.

North Cascades National Park Service Complex
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

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.

Contact and directions

Phone
3608547200
Email
[email protected]
Address
810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Coordinates
48.7117, -121.2069· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Forest Info Center with HQ Administration Building—3608547200Yes
Golden West Visitor CenterDaily: Closed—Yes
North Cascades Visitor CenterDaily: Closed360-854-7200Yes
Wilderness Information CenterDaily: Closed3608547245Yes

Campgrounds

CampgroundTotal sitesReservableFirst-comeRVsFeeReserve
Colonial Creek North Campground38310Yes, up to 25 ft$24Recreation.gov
Colonial Creek South Campground93900Yes, up to 36 ft$24Recreation.gov
Goodell Creek Campground19180Yes, up to 20 ft$20Recreation.gov
Gorge Lake Campground880Yes, up to 30 ft$20Recreation.gov
Harlequin Campground761No$20Recreation.gov
Hozomeen Campground75075YesFree—
Lakeview Campground909No——
Lower Goodell Group Campground222Yes$75Recreation.gov
Newhalem Creek Campground1071050Yes, up to 50 ft$24Recreation.gov
Purple Point Campground606No——

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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More parks in Washington

Ebey's Landing National Historical ReserveFort Vancouver National Historic SiteIce Age Floods National Geologic TrailKlondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical ParkLake Roosevelt National Recreation AreaLewis & Clark National Historic TrailLewis and Clark National Historical ParkManhattan Project National Historical ParkMinidoka National Historic SiteMount Rainier National ParkNez Perce National Historical ParkOlympic National ParkAll in Washington

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.