• View from Sourdough Mountain Overlook  A view looking down onto Diablo Lake. Photo Credit: NPS/Michael Silverman, 2010.

    North Cascades

    National Park Washington

Wilderness Camping

Backpackers on Sourdough Mountain Summit Overlook Photo Credit: NPS/Michael Silverman
Backpackers on Sourdough Mountain Summit Overlook
Photo Credit: NPS/NOCA/Michael Silverman
 
There are many places to camp in the Stephen Mather Wilderness and the backcountry of the park. There are almost 140 backcountry campsites available, from boat-in sites to high alpine backpacking sites. Camping is allowed only at established sites along trail corridors. Camps include toilets, tent pads, and in some cases tables and firepits. All backcountry sites require a free permit available at ranger stations. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.

For full trip planning information, visit the Wilderness Trip Planner page.

Did You Know?

Junior Ranger Totem: Raven

Anyone can become a North Cascades Junior Ranger! Pick up one of the four FREE activity booklets at any of the visitor or information centers. Complete the activities and earn your official junior ranger badge! Download the booklet here. More...