North Cascades National Park

Reconnect with nature at Washington's breathtaking North Cascades National Park.

This scenic park is less than a three-hour drive from Seattle. Explore wet forests and jagged peaks featuring over 300 glaciers. Stop and listen to the running water as you hike this breathtaking landscape, which is the ecological heart of the Cascade mountains. The North Cascades Highway passes viewpoints trails such as the steep Thunder Creek Trail.

Enjoy boating, canoeing, or kayaking on either the Gorge, Diablo, or Ross Lake. Please note that Ross Lake is not accessible by car off of State Route 20, so the easiest boat launches are located at Gorge and Diablo Lake. You should also see the remote community of Stehekin at the northern tip of Lake Chelan. Campers should be aware that this area is home to grizzly bears and gray wolves. Wildlife abounds, and this national park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a great place to go birding. Visit the land of glaciers and take time to go hiking and climbing. 

Camping is available from late May through September. Goodell Creek and Gorge Lake campgrounds offer several sites for tent camping or smaller RVs. Colonial Creek campground has 10 walk-in sites where only tents are allowed. You won't regret a visit to Washington's North Cascades National Park with your friends and family.