NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK - MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST

What You Need to Know: Travel Tips

Ask

Questions? Feel free to stop by or call one of the Park & Forest Information Stations.

As you drive the North Cascades Highway (SR 20), stop in at the Forest/Park Service Information Office in Sedro-Woolley (360-856-5700), where you can find year-round visitor services. At the North Cascades Visitor Center, located near Newhalem off SR 20, find information, naturalist programs, exhibits and multi-media presentations.

Glacier Public Service Center, located at milepost 34 of State Route 542 east of Bellingham, is jointly operated by the Forest Service and Park Service from mid-May to mid-October. Heather Meadows Visitor Center, at milepost 56, showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the Mt. Baker area and is usually open from July to October.

Chelan Ranger Station, operated by the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, provides information about Lake Chelan NRA and Wenatchee NF. From Chelan or Fields Point Landing, take a ferry to remote Stehekin.

Backcountry Camping

National Park Service: Permits (no charge) are required for all overnight stays in the Park Complex's backcountry, which includes the National Park and Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. More than 200 backcountry campsites are available. Most camps have toilets; signs along trails indicate location. Permits are issued in person only on a first-come, first-served basis. For areas not accessed through Marblemount, permits may be obtained at the ranger station nearest your point of entry. Ranger stations on the west side are located in Marblemount, Sedro-Woolley, Hozomeen, and Glacier; and on the east side in Chelan, Stehekin, Twisp, and Winthrop. For permit information, contact:

Wilderness Information Center
North Cascades National Park
7280 Ranger Station Road
Marblemount, WA 98267
Phone: (360) 873-4500, ext. 39

Forest Service: Camping in the National Forest does not require a permit; however, parking at trailheads requires a Northwest Forest Pass. Overnight visitors to the Mt Baker Natl. Rec. Area, Chain Lakes, Lake Ann, and Watson Lakes must camp at designated sites.

Campfires are not allowed in many backcountry areas located in sub-alpine settings.

Drive

Highway drives access the scenic routes of the North Cascades. Gravel access roads may not be safe for travel by all vehicles. State Route 20 runs east/west across the mountains and closes during the winter from milepost 134 to 171. By April it is usually possible to travel the entire Cascade Loop.

The Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, State Route 542, leads visitors to Heather Meadows on the divide between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. The Mt. Baker Ski Area operates here during the winter months.

Pets

Dogs are not permitted on the trails or in cross-country areas within the national park. Leashed dogs are allowed in the national recreation areas, along the Pacific Crest Trail and along roads in the national park. Dogs must be leashed in developed recreation areas within the national forest, as well as on trails in Heather Meadows in the Mt. Baker Ranger District.

Where to Stay

Campground options and reservation information are listed on the North Cascades Highway Web page.

Remote accommodations in the North Cascades include: Ross Lake Resort, Rockport, WA 98283, (206) 386-4437; North Cascades Stehekin Lodge, Box 457, Chelan, WA 98816, (509) 682-4494; and Baker Lake Resort 1-888-711-3033.

Many private accommodations are available in local communities. Listings are available from Chamber of Commerce offices listed below:

Accessibility Opportunities for All

Barrier-free trails, campsites, viewpoints, restrooms, and visitor information centers are being added and upgraded for accessibility throughout the North Cascades.

Accessible restrooms are available at all visitor information stations and most campgrounds. Several trails adjacent to each highway route are either boardwalk or surfaced for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as for individuals who have difficulty walking.

Accessible trails are indicated on trail lists with the above symbol.

Naturalist Programs

Amphitheaters at Colonial Creek: summer nightly programs, and at Newhalem Creek: weekend only; see posted schedules.

North Cascades Visitor Center: daily walks, talks, multi-media, and children's programs.

Hozomeen: weekend programs at Ross Lake.

vHeather Meadows: summer programs.

Skagit Wild and Scenic River Programs: winter weekends­speakers and eagle viewing, summer weekends­river walks and talks.

Purple Point Information Center: summer daily talks, evening and children's programs.

Lodging Information

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for the town nearest your destination at the number listed below.

West Side

Mt. Vernon

360-428-8547

Burlington

360-757-0994

Sedro-Woolley

360-855-1841

Concrete

360-853-7042

Marblemount

360-873-2250

East Side

Winthrop

1-888-4-METHOW
509-966-2125

Methow Valley Central Reservations

1-800-422-3048
509-682-3503

Chelan

1-800-4-CHELAN
509-682-3503

Wenatchee

1-800-57-APPLE
509-662-2116

Coexisting with Wildlife

By careful planning, travel and sanitation you can reduce your impacts on wildlife:

• Cooking. Try to have your sleeping area and personal gear about 100 yards (90 m) uphill or upwind from your cooking area. Wash dishes at least 100 feet from water sources with small quantities of biodegradable soap (or no soap at all). At frontcountry campgrounds, collect all grey water from cooking and washing in a bucket and deposit it in septic or vault facilities. Do not sleep in the clothing you wore while cooking. Keep sleeping gear and personal items free of food odors.
• Food Storage. Keep wildlife wild by not feeding them. Store food, garbage, cooking gear and toiletries properly at all times. Lock items in your car trunk if you are in the frontcountry. Bear-resistant canisters for backcountry use are available commercially and for loan from National Park Service offices where you get backcountry permits. Otherwise, place items in a plastic-coated dry bag or backpack and hang it from a branch or rope stretched between two trees in your cooking area at least 15 feet (5 m) above the ground and at least five feet (1.5 m) out from the tree trunk. Also hang cosmetics, sunscreen, soap, toothpaste or any item with an odor.
• Hunting and Fishing. Where hunting is permitted, store game meat the same as food. Ask for game and fish regulations when purchasing your license. Dispose of fish entrails by puncturing air bladders and then dropping them in deep water.
• Horses. Store horse pellets the same as food. For information about horse and trail safety and minimum impact riding, ask for a Stock Use bulletin from the ranger station or call the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (360)876-7739.
• Bear and Cougar Sightings. If a bear comes close to your campsite, you may be able to frighten it away by shouting or banging pots and pans. A bear accustomed to campground food may not be as easily discouraged. Do not run from either bears or cougars, as rapid movements may trigger an attack instinct. If you see a bear or cougar, call or report it at the nearest ranger station. Information collected will be used for long term monitoring. For more detailed information, see Bears and You in the North Cascades: Safety Tips for Travel in Bear Country

Passes & Special Use Permits

Northwest Forest Passes are required for all Forest and some Park Service trailhead parking areas in the North Cascades. Heather Meadows Area is included in this pass requirement. Refer to the Web page further information on these programs.

U.S. citizens over 62 or with a permanent disability may ask to obtain Golden Age or Golden Access Passports. National Parks annual entry passes are available to all for $50. For a $15 upgrade, the National Parks Pass becomes a Golden Eagle Passport, providing park, forest and wildlife refuge entry nationwide. Ask for the Federal Recreation Pass Programs brochure for details. National Park Passes and Golden Eagle Passports are entry passes that are not valid for trailhead parking, only entrance fees.

Commercial and non-commercial use of the National Park or National Forest for purposes such as filming, outfitter guiding, or research require permits.

National Forest permits for firewood and other forest products are available on a very limited basis (depending on supply). Permits are issued first-come, first-served and must be prepared in advance.

Forest Service Christmas tree permits are available during the latter part of November into December. Call or stop by the district office for further details.

Mushroom Collecting is prohibited in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex but is allowed on some state and national forests. Check with a local ranger station for rules.

Hike & Climb

Hundreds of miles of trails lead into the North Cascades mountains. Most long hikes and climbs enter designated wilderness.

Overnight stays in North Cascades National Park Service Complex's backcountry require free permits. In Washington and Oregon, the NW Forest Pass is required for parking in many places. (see Web Page for details).

Staff at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount can help you plan your trip and will issue backcountry permits for the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Climbers should choose experienced partners or licensed guides and fill out Voluntary Climbing Registers at Sedro-Woolley, Marblemount, Glacier or Stehekin. Ask for a Wilderness Trip Planner, Climbing Notes, or a list of outfitter guides.

Hiking with Children

Children should remain with adults for their safety. Teach your children that remaining quiet and blending with the surroundings will offer the best opportunities for wildlife observation.

Bring along extra items such as:

• wholesome snack foods
• extra water
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• a whistle for the child to use if lost

Have children bring along a friend. Play observation games. Watch for birds in the forest or sky. Identify plants, bugs, or animal tracks. Listen for wildlife, like the drumming of a woodpecker or the shrill "whistle" of a hoary marmot. Draw a picture or write a poem about nature. Encourage kids to explore using eyes, ears, hands, and nose.

Backcountry Safety

Don't let a pleasurable outing turn into an unexpected tragedy by not being prepared. Entering into a mountain experience even a day hike should not be taken lightly.

• Be well informed; contact the Park or Forest Service for current conditions.
• Research maps & trail handbooks.
• Carry the "10 Essentials".
• Let others at home know your plans.
• Make the best decision for your safety, including turning back.
• Do not depend on cell phones; there are many 'dead spots' in these mountains.

Leave No Trace

The following backcountry travel tips are based on principles developed by the national "Leave No Trace" program. For more details, contact LNT at 1-800-332-4100 or visit its website (http://www.lnt.org).

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Design your trip to match your skill level. Carry adequate and appropriate clothing, food, equipment, and fuel.

Check with rangers for current conditions.

Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces: In high use areas, concentrate activity within established campsites and trails where additional use causes little impact. Avoid making parallel trails, cutting switchbacks, or widening trails. In remote areas, travel in groups of no more than six people. Hike and camp on surfaces such as rock, sand, gravel, and snow.

Pack It In, Pack It Out: Repackage food to save weight and space and minimize potential litter. Pack out all trash, including food waste, as animals can become accustomed to and dependent on unnatural food sources.

Dispose of What You Can't Pack Out: properly dispose of human waste. Use vault and compost toilets where available. In backcountry areas, dig a "cathole" 4-6 inches deep in organic soil at least 200 ft. from water, trails, and camp. Urinate on rock or bare soil. Waste water from dishwashing, cooking, bathing, or laundry should be scattered at least 200 feet from camps and water sources.

Leave What You Find: Do not alter campsites by trenching around tents or building walls, tables, or lean-tos; dismantle excessive user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings. Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Leave flowers, natural objects, and cultural artifacts for others to enjoy.

Minimize Use and Impact of Fires: Use campstoves instead of fires whenever possible. Collect fuel from a wide area far from camp. Know current regulations and weather concerns. Do not leave until all coals are cool enough to hold.

Top 10 Essentials

Delays or changes in weather can cause emergencies. Even on short day hikes, each person should take and know how to use these items:

Navigation
Topographic map and compass.

Food
Extra food and water. Boiling water kills giardia; treatment pills may not.

Clothing
Extra clothing, including rain gear, wool socks, sweater, gloves and hat.

Light
Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries.

Fire
Waterproof matches and fire starter such as a candle.

Sun Protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen.

First Aid
Aid kit including any special medications you might need.

Knife
A folding pocket knife.

Signal
Audible/visual; whistle & metal mirror.

Emergency Shelter
Plastic tube shelter or waterproof bivouac sack.

Safety Tips

• Use caution on forest and park access roads.
• At trailheads, safeguard your possessions out of sight. Lock your vehicle.
• Bring extra water on hikes. A fine filter may be necessary, since even clean-looking water can carry giardia.Treat and/or boil all ground water. Water may not be near camp.
• Hiking over challenging terrain with inadequate skill or equipment is the primary cause of accidents in the North Cascades. Staying on trails, wearing adequate footwear, and using a good topographic map can minimize the hazards of this rugged land.
• Be prepared for insects. You may encounter mosquitoes, wasps, bees, biting flies, and ticks. After hiking, check yourself for ticks, which may carry Lyme Disease.
• Bear and cougar encounters may be dangerous situations. Keep your distance; do not run. Back away slowly; appear as large as possible. Abide by the tips in the adjacent article on Coexisting with Wildlife and ask for the brochure--Living with Wildlife.
• When horses are approaching, hikers should talk to make their presence known and step off the trail on the low side.
• Some stream crossings are not bridged. Cross streams in the morning (when they are lowest), scout for the safest crossings, or turn back if the rushing water is unsafe.
• Downed trees or washed out sections of trail should be reported at a ranger station.

Ride

Stock (horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas) are welcome on trails maintained to stock standards. Trails in the national park and national forests have different rules and seasons of use. Please check with the ranger station for detailed information and a listing of stock trails and their current conditions.

• Stock parties on trails are limited to a total of 12 people and stock combined; for example, five people and seven horses. In National Park areas where stock are allowed off-trail, the limit is six.
• Grazing is permitted in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Grazing permits are required and can be obtained with your backcountry permit.
• Grazing is permitted, without a permit, in national forests but must be at least 200 feet from the shoreline of any lake.
• Grazing is prohibited in North Cascades National Park.
• In wilderness, pack in sufficient processed feed pellets for your trip. Possessing or transporting any unprocessed livestock feed is prohibited.

Bike

Many people tour the North Cascades Highway and Mt. Baker Scenic Byway by bicycle. The remote beauty of these routes offers a unique and challenging experience.Travel single file on the right edge of the road and use reflectors and bright clothing. Bike use is not permitted on westside trails. Side roads are rugged enough for avid mountain bikers. The Okanogan National Forest east of Washington Pass allows trail riding on designated trails. Be well supplied with water, food, and warm, waterproof clothing.

Ask for the site bulletin: Cycling the North Cascades Highway.

Boat

Lots of water-oriented activities are available. Use of approved life jackets is required and children under 12 must wear them. Use of personal watercraft (such as jet skis) is prohibited in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. River floating is an adventure worth planning. Experienced boaters run the Skagit, Nooksack, and Stehekin Rivers. For boating trips, plan in advance by asking for a list of Outfitter Guides or Accommodations and Services.

Lake recreation: Boat rentals are offered at Baker Lake, Lake Chelan, and Ross Lake. Boat ramps are at Baker Lake, Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake,the north end of Ross Lake at Hozomeen and Lake Chelan.

Passengers travel to Stehekin by cruising up 50-mile long Lake Chelan. The Lake Chelan Boat Company operates year-round, daily spring to fall. Schedules are available from the company (1-509-682-2224) or from any ranger station.

Fish

Fishing in Washington, including in national parks and forests, requires a valid Washington State game fishing license.

The Skagit River (Washington's second largest after the Columbia) and its impounded lakes are home to eight species of anadromous fish (five salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout), as well as several freshwater species.

In order to protect spawning fish populations, it is necessary to comply with special regulations including closures, seasons, catch limits and gear restrictions. These are listed in the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife game fish regulations.

Lake Chelan has fresh water cod and salmon. The Stehekin River gives anglers a good chance at rainbow and cutthroat trout. Bait shops and local anglers are the best sources of information and advice.