Ross Lake National Recreation Area, along State Route 20 (PDF 1.26 MB), is where most visitors enter the park complex. The Skagit River, and three major reservoirs (Gorge, Diablo and Ross Lakes) offer ample recreation and sightseeing. Points of interest include visitor centers, viewpoints, short trails, campgrounds, and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. A new Environmental Learning Center is located on the shores of Diablo Lake.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is most frequently visited at a remote village called Stehekin, by boat. Visitors embark on Lake Chelan via one of the Boat Company vessels from Chelan or Field's Point.

North Cascades Institute offers a variety of hands-on programs, including Mountain School, a residential program for elementary, junior and high-school students from various school districts in western Washington. Other programs include summer youth adventures, family getaways, adult seminars, and retreats, graduate studies and volunteer stewardship opportunities.

North Cascades Institute operates North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in partnership with the City of Seattle and the National Park Service.