News Release

North Cascades Provides Summer Operations Updates

Date: May 6, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office

Are you ready for a visit to the North Cascades? Ensure you have the information you need for a successful and memorable trip. Multiple areas across North Cascades National Park Service Complex are affected by closures, changes in operations, or limited access for the upcoming 2024 summer season.  
 
Colonial Creek South Campground:  
Multiple Colonial Creek South Campground campsites will remain closed for the summer season due to hazard trees. This includes sites in the upper loop, upper loop walk-in, and the upper portion of the middle loop. Additional assessment and mitigation of trees of concern is needed before the sites can be opened safely for visitor use. The boat launch on Diablo Lake is not usable for launching powerboats due to silt accumulation. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your paddle craft to or from the water.  
The boat launch on Diablo Lake is not usable for launching powerboats due to silt accumulation. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your paddle craft to or from the water.  

Hozomeen: 
The gate at Hozomeen will remain closed to vehicle access from Canada. Winnebago Flats and the upper Hozomeen campgrounds will remain closed. The Hozomeen boat launch may be inaccessible due to low lake levels. Foot traffic across the border and trail use is allowed around the Hozomeen area. Backcountry permits for trips starting in Hozomeen will be issued remotely via email, [e-mail]. 

Ross Lake: 
Some Ross Lake campsites may remain closed for all or portions of the summer season due to projected low lake levels. These temporary closures are in effect for public health, safety, and resource protection. The low lake levels impact the park’s ability to pump out the vault toilets; the exposed lakebed provides difficult terrain and hazards from unstable trees; and visitor use within the exposed lakebed could impact park resources. Take caution while recreating on the reservoir during low lake levels. Check the trail conditions page for camp closures.  

Diablo Dam Road:  
Access to Diablo Dam Road is restricted due to the 2023 Sourdough Fire. It is expected to open early summer with limited parking along the roadway. Visit the park website for updated information. 

Cascade River Road:  
Cascade River Road sustained significant damage from winter storms. Repairs must be made prior to opening the road to vehicle access. An opening date has not been determined at this time. Foot traffic is allowed beyond the vehicle gate. Crews and heavy equipment may be present on the road; take caution when recreating beyond the gate. 

Campground and Backcountry Overnight Stays:
Plan ahead if you want to spend the night in the park. Advanced camping reservations are recommended for frontcountry (drive-to) campgrounds. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but are scarce during the busy summer season. Backcountry permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the park. Reservations for backcountry permits are available through Recreation.gov. Walk-up permits are available the day of or day before a trip from a permit issue station.  

For up-to-date information and trip planning visit www.nps.gov/noca or download the NPSApp and save the North Cascades for offline use due to limited connectivity. For current conditions including road, lake and river levels, and more, visit the Current Conditions page.  

www.nps.gov/noca