Early season conditions on Sourdough trail. Not glamorous, but realistic. Photo NPS/J.Strandwitz
May 21, 2023
The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is open for the season. Permits are required year-round for overnight trips in the park.
Though temperatures have been high, be prepared for snow travel and varied weather conditions if you are visiting the backcountry. Snow-covered trails are hard to follow, and off-trail navigation skills are essential. If you are planning a trip to the wilderness, be sure to check the weather forecast and driving conditions beforehand, and leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry.
Currently, snowline is working it's way above 3,500' elevation, but shaded aspects below may still be holding snow. This season's high temperatures are having an effect on river flows and hazards such as snowbridges, trees and rocks hidden just below the snow surface, and early season heat-related illnesses in exposed areas.
Keep wildlife safe by keeping your distance and food stored properly. When given the opportunity to obtain human food, it causes habituation and can result in harm to the animal (natural inhabitant), even euthanization. Be apart of the prevention, not the problem.
The trail conditions listed in the table below represent the last known status, or general conditions. Expect more and more trail condition updates from our Rangers as we trickle back to work! E-mail us if you have trail conditions to report.
Closures and Notices
Long-Term Fire Closures:The Copper Loop will remain closed through the 2023 summer season, hikers are unable to complete the loop. A portion of the Copper Ridge Trail is open between Boundary and Copper Lake camps. Trail closures are listed in each drop-down area below. Camp closures are listed on the Fire Closures page.
Cascade River Road is closed at milepost 20 (Eldorado trailhead), three miles before the Cascade Pass trailhead. Do not block the road and gate when parking. Past the closure, expect to find groupings of downed trees and consistent snow starting within a mile of the Cascade Pass trailhead.
The Silver Skagit Rd to Hozomeen is closed due to washouts.Significant flooding from November 2021 has damaged the road, there is no current access to Ross Lake or the Hozomeen campground via Canada. More on Road Conditions
Ross Lake Boat-In Sites - Visit the Boating on Ross Lake page for more information.
Bridge Creek Trail/PCT- The temporary bridge at North Fork and Maple Creek not installed yet.
Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew, and updated as frequently as possible. Please read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available.
Ross Dam Trailhead at 2100'
Big Beaver Camp 1600'
Beaver Pass 3654'
Hiker, Stock
4/28 - Ross Dam to Big Beaver camp junction snow-free with few down trees. A big black bear has been hanging out around Big Beaver boat and stock camp for a couple of days. Do not leave backpack unattended. Campers should use bear box provided for proper food storage at all time.
Little Beaver (Ross Lake to Whatcom Pass)
Ross Lake 1600', Stillwell Camp 2500',
Whatcom Pass 5200'
Hiker only from Little Beaver to Stillwell
No recent report.
Whatcome Pass closed due to fire damage from 2022.
General: Perry Creek and Redoubt Creek present difficult crossings in early seasons despite foot logs (may or may not be present).
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Thunder Creek (Colonial Creek Campground to Park Creek Pass)
Trailhead (Colonial Creek Campground) 1200'
Park Creek Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
5/17-Trailcleared to McAllister campground 5/5- The access trail to the first Thunder Creek camp after your cross the bridge was flooded, making it hard to get to the camp 4/28 - Visitor reports Junction camp snow free and some significant blowdowns between McAllister and Tricouni. 4/27-Snow free to McAllister Camp. There is some small debris on the trail that is easy to maneuver around for a human between Neve camp and McAllister camp. May be difficult for stock in a some areas on trail. Thunder, Neve and McAllister camps and toilets are ready for use.
General: Ford of Thunder Creek north of Thunder Basin Stock can be high or impassable during spring run-off or after heavy rains. Food canisters required for camping at Thunder Basin Camp June 1 - Nov. 15. Stoves only, no fires at Thunder Basin Camp.
Trailhead 1800', Panther Camp ~2000'
Fourth of July Pass 3500'
Hiker only
No recent report.
General: Panther Camp was rebuilt and relocated in 2012 and is 3.7 miles from the trailhead (~0.5 miles southwest of the old camp). New bridge built in 2013 over Panther Creek.
Easy Pass / Fisher Creek
Trailhead 3700', Easy Pass 6400'
Hiker only
No recent report.
No camping at Easy Pass
Park Creek (Park Creek Pass to Upper Stehekin Valley Trail)
Stehekin River 2300',
Park Creek Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
Bridge Creek Trailhead 4600’,
NPS South Boundary 2000’
Hiker, stock
The temporary bridge at North Fork and Maple Creek not installed.
5/23 - trail cleared from sourthern park boundary to Bridge Creek camp, including to shady camp.
South of the Park, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness (USFS): No current report. Due to hazard trees, it is not safe to camp at Hemlock Camp. Alternative camps include 2.4 miles south of Suiattle Pass (just before entering Sitting Bull Basin), Cedar Camp 2.8 miles north of Hemlock Camp, and 1.9 miles up the South Fork Agnes Creek Trail. The bridge over Agnes Creek at Hemlock Camp is out of service.
Aggressive bear activity has been reported in all the camps along the PCT, especially Fireweed and South Fork. Remember to store your food and all scented items properly at all times!
General: Bears are common along this drainage. Be vigilant about keeping camps clean and use food storage lockers. Report all bear sightings to rangers at any North Cascades National Park contact station
Trailhead at 1700', trail ends at 2000'
Hiker only
5/23 - trail cleared
Dagger Lake / Twisp Pass
Fireweed 3900', Dagger Lake 5508',
Twisp Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
No recent report.
Backcountry permits required for overnight stays at Stiletto Lake; dogs not permitted.
North Fork
2800' to 4200'
Hiker, stock
No recent report.
General: CrossingGrizzly Creek requires a ford of 3 channels -- all can run high and fast and can be unsafe to ford during early season snowmeltand after large rain events. Trail is often faint and hard to follow in northern-most 2 miles. Grizzly Creek Camp was rebuilt in 2012 south of Grizzly Creek ford. Due to repeated flooding of Grizzly Creek, Grizzly Creek Stock Camp is permanently closed--stock should use Walker Park.
Fireweed 3900', McAlester Pass 6000',
South Pass 6300', Bench Creek 3800’,
Rainbow Bridge 2040’
Hiker, stock
5/23 - Trail cleared from Rainbow Creek to Rainbow Ford camp. Rainbow ford suspension bridge installed.
General: Seasonal bridge at Rainbow Ford is removed every fall. Ford may be high or impassable at other times of year.Southern end of this trail passes through the 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire zone. There may be new downed trees between Rainbow Ford and Rainbow Bridge camps.
General: Food storage canisters are recommended for camping at Heaton Camp -- hanging food can be difficult here. No fires allowed at Heaton Camp.
Stiletto Spur / Stiletto Peak
4000' to ~6100'
Hiker, stock
No recent report.
General: Route-finding required to reach the location of the old fire lookout on a sub-peak of Stiletto Ridge. Trail receives only light maintenance. Trail fades out in meadows at ~6100'.In Stiletto Cross-Country Zone, which includes Stiletto Lake, CAMPING PERMITS REQUIRED - STOVES ONLY, NO FIRES.
Stiletto Spur: General - Stock parties have a difficult approach to both sides of ford of State Creek. The foot log crossing over State Creek is not recommended for use. Ford can be impassable after large rain/snow events. Stock parties should use Pacific Crest Trail instead.
Bear Creek camp is closed due to fire damage (2021)
General: Cable car over the Chilliwack replaced on 10/2019. Trail is passible to stock to US Cabin. Brush Creek/access to Graybeal Camp is currently inaccessible to stock. Pets and hunting are not allowed in the National Park. Trail north of Bear Creek Camp is abandoned and is a difficult bush-whack cross-country route. Little Chilliwack Camp no longer exists due to the changing course of the Chilliwack River.
General: In summer, no water between Boundary Camp and the ridge. Water on the ridge is available at Copper and Egg Lakes. No water at Silesia Camp once snows melt--must get water at Egg Lake (1 mile round-trip). Trail can be brushy at low elevations on the north end of the ridge, near the ford of the Chilliwack River and Indian Creek. No reliable water between one mile east of Copper Lake and the Chilliwack River.
Trailhead 3660', Cascade Pass 5400',
Sahale Glacier Camp 7600'
Hiker only. No Pets, No Hunting
Cascade River Road currently closed at milepost 20 (Eldorado trailhead), three miles before the trailhead.
Past the closure, expect groups of downed trees and consistent snow coverage to start within a mile of the Cascade Pass trailhead.
General: Cascade River Road typically does not open to Cascade Pass Trailhead until July 1st- condition dependent. NO CAMPING AT CASCADE PASS, Doubtful Lake, and anywhere along the trail. Camping only allowed at designated camps. Trail typically not snow free until mid-July.
Flat Creek camp is currently closed due to hazard trees.
Upper Stehekin Valley Trail / Stehekin Road (old road from Bridge Creek Camp to Cottonwood Camp)
Bridge Creek Camp (2200') to Cottonwood Camp(2800')
Hiker, Stock
Basin Creek removable bridge will be removed for the season on Oct. 14 2022
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Boulder Creek
Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900'
Hiker, Stock
No recent report
Lower sections burned in 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire and the 2014 Lone Mountain Fire; the trail can be dry and dusty. Blowdowns are common on this trail due to past forest fires.
Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900',
War Creek Pass 6500'
Hiker, Stock
No recent report
Summer: Only water source is at crossing of Purple Creek 2 miles from Stehekin. Very slow-flowing spring near Juanita Lake--the lake is stagnant and not an attractive water source in late season.Campfires are not allowed at Juanita Lake Camp--bring camp stove for cooking.
General: This trail begins on Forest Service land and crosses into the National Park: dogs are not allowed in the national park and backcountry permits are required to stay at Sulphide Creek Camp.
Diablo Lake
Trailhead 1200' - max. 2000'
Hiker only
5/17-Cleared by trailcrew 2/2 - The Ross Jeep tunnel is closed to all traffic. This closure affects hikers intending to use the Ross Haul Road to hike from Diablo Lake Trail to Ross Dam Trail (or vice versa). Portions of Diablo Lake and Ross Dam trails remain accessible.
Trailhead 3700', Hidden Lake: 5700',
Hidden Lake Lookout: 6,700'
Hiker only Pets not allowed in the National Park
4/28 - There is a downed tree at 2.5 miles from the trailhead. Other downed trees will prevent driving to the trailhead when the snow melts out. Continuous snow coverage starts around 3000’ elevation. The summer trail is covered in feet of snow and no bare ground is visible.
Backcountry Camping Permits are required past the saddle and down to Hidden Lake. Reaching Hidden Lake requires traveling over a very challenging and steep boulder field--not easy!
Food canisters required in Hidden Lake Cross Country Zone June 1 - Nov. 15.Pets and hunting are not allowed beyond the ridge or down to the lake.
Lookout Mountain (USFS): Last flowing water source in summer is ~1/2 mile past the trail split to Monogram Lake. A small pool of water is just below the lookout.
General: Pets and hunting are not allowed in National Park. Food canisters are required for camping at Monogram Lake June 1 - Nov. 15. Backcountry Permits required for camping at Monogram Lake year-round. Look for tent pads and separate cooking areas. Do not camp on the lake shore.
5/1 - Very few patchy snow remains - will probably be snow-free in less than a week. Trail is muddy and flooded in upper section. Few down logs to cross. Many sections of the trail is rocky and rooted - be cautious when wet.
Please help protect the Natural Research Area. Camping and fires not allowed at Pyramid Lake or along Pyramid Creek.
Trailhead at 900'
Sourdough Camp at 5055'
Sourdough Lookout at 5968'
Hiker only
5/17-Cleared to park boundary 5/3 - Snowline is high up for this time of the year. First patch of snow on the trail starts at 3800’; trail is flooded with running water and patchy snow leading to the park boundary. Consistent snow starts at park boundary ~4060’. If you choose to continue on snow, bring ice axe, traction device and navigation tools and know how to use them. Be prepared for steep snow travel and unstable snow bridges earlier than usual.
General: The ridgeline trail can be difficult to follow. Cairns mark the trail just east of the lookout. East of Pierce Mountain Camp the trail is somewhat difficult to follow due to brush and downed trees. After snowmelt, no water available on Pierce Mountain Trail except from pools at Pierce Mountain Camp which will dry up as the summer progresses. Carry plenty of water if ascending the trail from the junction with Big Beaver Trail.
Hard-sided food canister required at Sourdough and Pierce Mountain Camps June 1 - Nov. 15. Pets and hunting are not allowed past the National Park boundary (about 2 miles from trailhead).
No recent report. Expect recently downed trees along the trail, high creek crossings and snow at higher elevations.
General: Several challenging trail sections in the first 1/4 mile where the creek has eroded the bank and trail (some scrambling and hand holds). Not recommended for beginners or families with small children.
Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000',
Thornton Lake 4500'
Hiker only
No recent report. Expect snow on the majority of the trail.
5/18 - The Thornton Lakes Rd is open to the trailhead.
General: The trail from the ridge to the lakeshore is steeper than most trails and can be very slippery when wet or icy. Crossing the lake outlet requires crossing a logjam, use caution. Not recommended for families with small children.
Food canisters requiredat Thornton Lakes Camp June 1 - Nov 15.
5/10 - Trail is clear and free of snow. Temporary bridge is installed at creek crossing - walk one at a time over bridge.
To access trailhead, park along SR 20 and not in Colonial Creek Campground.
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Bullion Loop Trail
Trailhead 1500'
Hiker, Stock
5/23 - Trail cleared
Company Creek
Trailhead 1200', leaves park at 2500'
Hiker, stock
5/23 - Trail cleared to park boundary
General: Must ford Company Creek at 5 mile. Trail is obscure south of Hilgard Pass and difficult to follow due to damage from 2015 Wolverine Fire.
Devore Creek
NPS boundary 2000'
Hiker only
No recent report
General: Trail south of Ten Mile Pass (to Hilgard Pass) is obscure and difficult to follow due to 2015 Wolverine Fire.
Lakeshore Trail
Elevation 1200'
Hiker, stock
5/23 - Trail cleared from Stehekin to Flick Creek
General: High rattlesnake activity, particularly on sunny days. Ticks common in spring and early summer.This trail was burned over in 2010, so new blowdowns are common.
General: Southern end of this trail passes through the 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire zone. There may be new down trees between Lower Rainbow Loop TH and Rainbow Bridge camp. Trail from Bench Creek to Stehekin can be dry and dusty.
Stehekin River Trail
1200'
Hiker only
No recent report
General: In 2015, this trail was used as a fire break for the Wolverine Fire--expect to see many cut trees. Trail often floods during spring snowmelt and high-water events. Trail access is from south end of Stehekin airstrip.
