North Cascades National Park ⓘ

Stories of the North Cascades are plentiful. Many may be found in the book store or in a local library.

The establishment of the Park Complex has many chapters of its own. From its inception, North Cascades National Park Service Complex was envisioned primarily as a wilderness park, and in 1988 the Washington Park Wilderness Act designated 634,614 acres, or 93%, as the Stephen Mather Wilderness Area. The Complex is the core of over 2 million acres of federally designated wilderness, one of the largest such areas in the lower 48 states. The U.S. Congress set aside this expansive wilderness area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, in the words of the 1964 Wilderness Act, for “the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use.” The North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes 684,237 federally protected acres near the crest of the Cascade Mountains from the Canadian border south to Lake Chelan. The Complex is the core of a greater ecosystem which includes 3 million acres of protected public land spanning 2 nations and a range of cultures, communities and ecological life-zones. This expansive landscape provides a rare opportunity in North America for biodiversity to reach its full potential with minimal human impacts. An almost intact system of this size benefits an abundance of migratory animals as well as providing habitat to threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Congress established North Cascades National Park Service Complex in 1968 to preserve “certain majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes and other unique glaciated features” … “for the benefit, use and inspiration of present and future generations.” The beauty of these landscapes has inspired poets, writers and artists for centuries, including indigenous people, 1950’s beat poets and writers Jack Kerouac, Gary Snyder and Philip Whalen, who served here as fire lookouts, and others. Contested Terrain is a history of North Cascades National Park Service Complex that examines the development of the park from its establishment to the present. This history presents a synthesis of the many issues that have concerned park managers, details the growth of the park's various programs, and analyzes the park within the larger context of the national park system.

Photo published in Archaeology in Washington by R. Kirk and R. Daugherty, 2007, University of Washington Press.

Even today, there are anthropologists who assert that Northwest Native People were so river and ocean oriented that they all but avoided the mountains—but archeological data from Cascade Pass directly contradict this historically popular myth. Artifacts associated with ancient campfires reveal that Native crossings of the rugged North Cascades began at least 9,600 years ago, and recurred with such consistency that crossings became a traditional cultural activity embedded in the histories and oral literature of many bands living on both sides of the range. Beginning with the earliest crossings, people carried with them stone tools made from rock types found on the Columbia Plateau, fifty miles to the east, and the Skagit River Valley, 20 miles to the west and north. Volcanic ash deposits (at least eight distinctive layers erupted from four Cascade volcanoes) buried their campfires, but they built new ones on top of the ash. Although it is the oldest well-dated alpine site in the State of Washington, Cascade Pass is not likely to be unique, but this supposition will be tested by future archeological investigations.

Exploratory archeological excavations at the pass were completed in the summer of 2011. Excavation results will be published in a refereed professional journal article that is currently in preparation. Selected and preliminary results have been published already in several books and articles.

Cascade Pass is the oldest radiocarbon-dated archeological site in the park and the only well-dated alpine site preserving five separate cultural layers and time periods. The artifact assemblage is dominated by microblades (tiny stone blades with razor-sharp edges) made from small, clear quartz crystals. Analysis of charcoal particles from the ancient campfires shows that pine wood was used as fuel in all time periods, but interestingly, pine trees do not grow at the pass today. Elderberry is the most common seed type identified from the campfire remains. The discovery at Cascade Pass of volcanic ash from Mount Baker marks the farthest known wind deposit of Mount Baker ash, an important finding utilized by geologists in preparing hazard studies that are consulted by emergency management agencies when planning appropriate responses to future eruptions of Mount Baker.

Even the most rugged and remote areas of the park contain sensitive archeological resources. Surveys are conducted to inventory archeological sites prior to any undertakings. Currently, 260 prehistoric sites have been identified, some dating older than 8,500 years. As a result of these studies, it is now widely recognized that the extensive subalpine landscape of the North Cascades contributed importantly to Northwest Coast Indian economies. Historic archeological sites include mines and mining camps, fire lookouts, sheep herder camps, sawmills, homesteads and a "lost" hotel.

Archeological sites are test excavated to assess their significance to the National Register of Historic Places. These excavations have contributed new and unanticipated information about indigenous use of the mountains, including the use of alpine obsidian sources in NOCA for the last 5,000 years; the establishment of regular travel routes for the movement of resources and people; the use of mountain goats and other native fauna and flora; a geologic record of Cascade volcano eruptions which are used to mark the timing of both human and climatic events; and a radiocarbon chronology providing a timescale for human uses, natural events, and climatic changes in the North Cascades. Recent research at Cascade Pass has yielded a wealth of data about human activity spanning the last 9,600 years.

The Cultural Resources staff is responsible for the inventory and monitoring of over 81 unique and nationally recognized buildings and structures within the park complex. Additionally, there are remnants of at least 23 historic cultural landscapes within park boundaries. These historic treasures range from abandoned mines to a historic hotel that captures the spirit of rustic recreation in wilderness areas. These structures are regularly inventoried and their condition is monitored to ensure that they are managed in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

The North Cascades National Park Complex has a diverse array of ecosystems ranging from wet temperate rainforests to dry ponderosa pine forests and a diverse array of animals are at home in these environments. Elusive mammals like the gray wolf, fisher and wolverine wander the wilderness in small numbers, while more adaptable Columbia black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels and pikas delight park visitors in abundance. A wide variety of birds breed within the park boundaries, including birds of prey such the bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcons as well as a variety of neotropical migrants. Fish and amphibians lurk in the clear mountain lakes and streams. The rich forests, rocky slopes and clean waters teem with invertebrate life, such as butterflies, dragonflies, stoneflies and mayflies. Each creature, no matter what its size, plays an intricate role in the North Cascades, whether it is a mountain goat or a banana slug. North Cascades is home to approximately 75 mammal species in 20 families; around 21 species of reptiles and amphibians representing at least four orders; roughly 200 species of birds in 38 families; at least 28 species of fish; and recent surveys have documented over 500 types of land insects and approximately 250 aquatic invertebrate species.

NPS / Paisley Dandenault Tips and Regulations During the operational season (mid-May to early September), a ll sites in campgrounds along State Route 20 and in Stehekin can be reserved in advance. When possible, make reservations as early as you can. Reservations are not required starting September 7, 2026 and all sites are first-come, first-served as long as they remain open. Colonial Creek North, Colonial Creek South and loop C of Newhalem Creek Campgrounds will close for the season on September 14, 2026. Loops A & B of Newhalem Creek Campground will close for the season on September 27, 2026. Campgrounds open for the season each year on the Monday before Memorial Day weekend (May 17, 2027). The following campgrounds remain open year-round for first-come, first-served camping outside the operational season with no fee, no water, and no trash services: Goodell Creek (19 sites), Gorge Lake (8 sites), Colonial Creek South (10 walk-in, tent-only sites, #64-#73). Overnight camping is only allowed in designated campsites. There is no dispersed camping in the park complex. Campsite occupancy is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site. Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day (first Monday in September) and to 30 days the rest of the year. Firewood, ice, gas, and other services are not available in the park complex. The nearest services are in the town of Marblemount, WA. Don't move firewood ! Destructive insects and diseases can be transported in firewood. Always buy firewood near where you will burn it.

Drive-in Campgrounds All drive-in campgrounds along State Route 20 are on a reservation system through recreation.gov . Campground reservations are accepted during the specified season dates on the recreation.gov website. Campgrounds may be open before or after the reservation season on a first-come, first-served basis. See campground details below for more information, reservations, and current status.

Frequently Asked Questions Have a question about camping but can't find an answer on this page? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for information about camping and visiting the park complex.

Newhalem Campground is a comfortable facility close to town, the Visitor Center, and the Skagit River.

Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River.

Lower Goodell Creek Group campsite is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek that accommodates large groups.

Colonial Creek Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest with trail and lake access.

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex preserves some of the finest mountain country in North America. From accessible trails and short, scenic strolls to steep mountain hikes, there is a trail here for everyone. Enjoy the solitude, peace, and challenge that hiking in this beautiful park offers. Remember to walk lightly, so that many generations more may continue to discover this place. Hikers, backpackers, and climbers travel the trails of the park complex year round; however, the more common hiking season stretches from April through October. The driest and most popular time to visit is during the summer months of mid-June through September. Higher elevation trails often remain snow-covered well into July and sometimes August. Precipitation and snowfall are greatest from November through March. The park's winters are wet, and snowfall is heavy. Access is often limited during these winter months by impassable or closed roads, so be sure to check current conditions . The key to a successful trip is to plan ahead and be prepared. Check out the trip planning tools below to choose a trail, learn about backcountry permits, get updated trail conditions, and more.