Plan & Prepare

Getting Here

State Route 20 runs east from Burlington past Baker Lake and into the heart of North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. While a portion of the road is closed during winter, by April you can drive the entire Cascade Loop to Highway 2 as shown on the back page. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area can be accessed via Chelan off of State Route 2. The Mount Baker Scenic Byway, SR 542, leads to Heather Meadows on the Mount Baker Ranger District.

Questions?

See the back page for locations and phone numbers of Park & Forest Information Stations.

Camping

Car Camping: Both the National Park and the National Forest offer developed drive-in camping sites. Typical facilities include toilets, water, fire pits and garbage disposal. Developed sites charge a fee and some may be reserved. Check the chart on page 9 for camp locations and amenities.

National Park Backcountry: There are more than 200 backcountry camping sites, from boat-in sites to high alpine backpacking sites. Camping is allowed only at established sites. Camps include toilets, tent pads and in some cases, tables and fire pits. All backcountry sites require a free permit available at ranger stations. Permits are required and are issued in person only on a first come, first served basis.

For permit information, contact:
Wilderness Information Center
7280 Ranger Station Road
Marblemount, WA 98267
Phone: (360) 873-4500 ext. 39

National Forest: Dispersed camping in the national forest does not require a permit, but a Northwest Forest Pass may be required for certain trailheads. Campers in the Mt. Baker NRA and some areas of the Wilderness must camp at designated spots. Campfires are not allowed in many backcountry areas in subalpine settings and seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on trails or in cross-country areas within the national park. Leashed dogs are allowed in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, along the Pacific Crest Trail and along roads in the national park.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the National Forest in developed recreation areas, except on Table Mountain Trail 681 in Heather Meadows Area.

Accessibility

The National Park & Forest offer barrier-free trails, campsites, viewpoints, restrooms and visitor information centers designed 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 surfaced for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as for individuals who have difficulty walking.

For more information: www.nps.gov/noca/accessibilityguide/accessguide.htm

Hike & Climb

Hundreds of miles of trails lead into the North Cascades. Storm damage may have impacts on your trip; check trail conditions before you leave. Most long hikes and climbs enter designated Wilderness where special restrictions may apply. Climbers should choose experienced partners or licensed guides and fill out Voluntary Climbing Registers at the station nearest your climb.

Ask for a Wilderness Trip Planner and Climbing Notes or a list of outfitter guides. Check out the Park and Forest websites for current recreation reports and climbing information.

Bike

Many people tour the North Cascades by bicycle. Bike use is not permitted on most west side forest or national park trails. However, riding is allowed on roads and on designated trails . Canyon Ridge Trail (off Canyon Creek road, FS Road 31) and forest roads offer challenging mountain biking. Always travel single file on the right side of the road, use reflectors and wear bright clothing. Be well supplied with drinking water, food and warm, waterproof clothing as environmental conditions can change rapidly. Ask for the bulletin: Cycling the North Cascades Highway.

Water Sports

River floating is an excellent adventure worth planning. Experienced boaters run the Skagit, Nooksack and Stehekin Rivers. Ask for a list of local outfitters or a Skagit River Guide and Map at any ranger station. Kayaking, canoeing and motor boating are other options.

No personal watercraft (jet skis, etc.) are allowed in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Boat and paddling rentals are available at Baker Lake, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan. Ramps are located at Baker Lake, Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake, Lake Chelan and the north end of Ross Lake at Hozomeen.

Fishing

Fishing in Washington, including in National Parks and Forests, requires a valid Washington State fishing license. The Skagit River, one of Washington's major watersheds, is home to seven species of anadromous fish (five salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout) and freshwater trout and char. Diablo and Gorge Lakes have been stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, but Ross Lake which has been left natural, offers quality sport fishing, opening July 1st annually.

Lake Chelan has fresh water cod, trout and kokanee (land-locked) salmon and other species. The Stehekin River offers rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Comply with special regulations listed in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations, available wherever licenses are sold, and on-line at: www.wdfw.wa.gov.

Stock

Stock are welcome on trails maintained to stock standards. Trail rules and seasons of use vary and special rules apply in wilderness areas. Check with a ranger station to assist with trip planning.

• Stock parties are limited to 12 including animals on trails, 6 in national park areas off-trail.
• Grazing is permitted in the national forest without a permit.
• Grazing with a permit is allowed in the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. This can be obtained with your backcountry permit.
• Grazing is prohibited in wilderness areas; pack in processed food pellets.

Recreation Passes

The Northwest Forest Pass is valid throughout all National Forests in Oregon and Washington. Passes can be obtained at ranger stations, by calling: (800) 270-7504 or on-line at: www.naturenw.org

Where to Stay

There are many lodging options in and near the National Park and Forest. Local Chamber of Commerce offices are happy to assist you.

West Side:

Bellingham/Whatcom County (800) 487-2032
http://www.bellingham.org

Burlington (360) 757-0994
http://www.burlington-chamber.com

Concrete (360) 853-7042
http://www.concrete-wa.com

Marblemount (360) 873-2106
http://www.marblemount.com

Mt. Vernon (360) 428-8547
http://www.mountvernonchamber.com

Sedro-Woolley (360) 855-1841
http://www.sedro-woolley.com

East Side:

Chelan (800) 4-CHELAN
http://www.lakechelan.com

Leavenworth (509) 548-5807
http://www.leavenworth.org

Twisp (509) 997-2926
http://www.twispinfo.com

Wenatchee Valley (800) 57-APPLE
http://www.wenatcheevalley.org

Winthrop (888) 4-METHOW
http://www.winthropwashington.com

Remote accommodations in the North Cascades include: Ross Lake Resort (206)386-4437 www.rosslakeresort.com and Baker Lake Resort (360)711-3033. North Cascades Stehekin Lodge www.stehekin.com and other lodging is available in Stehekin. See the Focus on Stehekin.