North Cascades National Park Service Complex (U.S. National Park Service)

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North Cascades National Park Complex

Jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers adorn the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Three park units in this mountainous region are managed as one and include North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. These complementary protected lands are united by a contiguous overlay of Stephen Mather Wilderness.

Questions about visiting North Cascades?

Highway 20 is closed between milepost 134 and 171 for the winter season due to avalanche danger. The pass typically reopens in late April or early May.

Where to stay (camping, backcountry, lodging)
Contact a ranger at an information center
Go hiking, backpacking, or climbing
Learn more with the Wilderness Trip Planner, maps, trail descriptions, and current park conditions
Activities for families and all experience levels!

"The North Cascades are Calling" for Stewards and Volunteers

After being inspired by the majestic scenery of the North Cascades or by the new Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, visitors often ask, what can I do?

For over forty years, park staff, partners, and visitors have cared for this national park. As we look ahead, to our fifth decade and to the National Park Service's centennial in 2016, we know that national park stewards will be needed, now more than ever, to help protect this place for future generations.

Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and what events we have going on in and around North Cascades.

Totem animal of a new Junior Ranger booklet

Four new FREE Junior Ranger Booklets

A dynamic new Junior Ranger Program is now available for kids and families visiting their national park. Four age-appropriate booklets introduce the unique natural and cultural history of the North Cascades through a series of fun activities and are organized around a specific theme to build connections and knowledge of this national park.

Each booklet also has a “totem animal” that helps guide kids and families through the activities and offers instruction, hints and ways they can explore the North Cascades. Download the activity booklets for the Pacific Treefrog (ages 3-5), Black Bear (5-8), Raven (8-11), and the Mountain Goat (12+).

Future Junior Rangers can earn free badges, patches and certificates at any of the six visitor information centers in North Cascades National Park Complex.

Write to

North Cascades National Park Complex
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(360) 854-7200

Wilderness Information Center
(360) 854-7245

Fax

(360) 856-1934

Climate

Steep mountains and onshore weather systems from the Pacific Ocean influence a wide range of climate conditions in the North Cascades. One of the snowiest places on earth, the westside mountains collect more snow than melts each year (forming glaciers). On the east side of the mountains, conditions are much dryer.
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