Planning Your Wilderness Trip

The Stephen Mather Wilderness is at the heart of over two million acres of some of the wildest lands remaining.
Use the resources below to plan your trip and learn how to help preserve and protect the fragile ecosystem.

Backcountry permits are required year-round in North Cascades National Park for all overnight trips

STEP ONE

Research where you want to hike, climb, or boat. Check area regulations and what amenities are provided with the resources below.

 
Wilderness Trip Planner Map
A map showing the boundary of North Cascades National Park and the trails and highlights in the area
Locate the backcountry trails and campsites with this map. Use in conjunction with the camp info table below for more information.
Ross Lake Map
Map showing campsites, distance and amenities for campsites, and trails at Ross Lake
Use this map to help plan your overnight boating trip on Ross Lake.
 

Backcounty Camp Information

See the table below for information on group size limitation for each backcountry camp, food storage requirements, and campfire rules. Group size is limited to protect wilderness values. The size limit is 12 within all trail corridors and camps, and in cross-country zones around Mount Shuksan, Eldorado Peak, and Forbidden Peak. Group size limit is 6 for the remainder of the cross-country zones. Group size limits include people and stock. Due to natural terrain constraints in some places, not all camps can accommodate 12 people.

 
The diversity of climate and geography creates very different habitats on the west and east side of the Cascade crest, fostering a great array of plants and animals. Cascading water is fed by over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields. Lakes are abundant. Almost 400 miles (644 km) of trails, mostly in major drainages and over high passes, traverse this tremendous landscape. Your path may follow a route used for many centuries by people who have long crossed these mountains or sought food and resources here, or you may venture to an area so wild it feels as if you are the first explorer.
 
Planning a Climb
A climber crosses a snow field with mountains in the distance.
Use this page to plan for your mountaineering trip in the North Cascades.
Boating on Ross Lake
Park Ranger sitting on the side of the boat looking towards the lake and mountain in the distance
Find information on boating and camping on Ross Lake.
Hiking Safety
A hiker walks on a trail through a meadow, with mountains in the distance.
Plan on hitting the trail? Be prepared!
 

STEP TWO

Check the current road and trail conditions. Consider the seasons, weather forecasts, and snow conditions. Be aware of closures related to current or past wildfires.

 
Trail Conditions
General conditions and a trail-by-trail list of the most recent conditions reports.
Road Status
A two-lane road curves along a steep, rocky embankment.
Find out about current road status in the park complex.
Climbing Conditions
Mountains covered in ice and snow with sun and clouds in the background
Find recent conditions for popular climbing zones in the park.
Lake and River Conditions
A roaring river.
Check out current conditions before heading out on the water.
Fire Closures
Dark smoke spreading upwards towards the sky next to a mountain with a lake in the foreground
Learn more about area, trail, and camp closures that are in effect due to current or past fire activity
Webcam
Image of mountains on a browser.
Check out the webcam stationed at the North Cascades Visitor Center for a live look at park conditions.
 

STEP THREE

Obtain a backcountry permit for your overnight stay in the park. Make a reservation on recreation.gov and pick up your permit the day before your trip starts.*
Alternatively, visit the Wilderness Information Center to obtain a walk-up permit.
*Visit the backcountry permits page to learn details on when and where to pick up your permit
 
Backcountry Permits
Where and why they are required, and how to obtain a permit
Backcountry permits are required year-round. Find out where they are required, why they are required, and how to obtain a permit.
Backcountry Reservations
A hiker silhouette against a sunset
Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2025.
Recreation.Gov
Screenshot of backcountry camp availability table
Make reservations and view real-time availability of backcountry campsites
 

STEP FOUR

Check additional resources here for information that may pertain to your trip
 
Hiking with pets
A person and dog stand looking out over a lake.
Bringing your dog? Pets are only allowed on certain trails under certain conditions.
Pacific Crest Trail
Information for traveling along the Pacific Crest Trail through North Cascades National Park.
Pacific Northwest Trail
Information for traveling along the Pacific Northwest Trail through North Cascades National Park
 
Still have questions?
Contact the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount via email (noca_wilderness@nps.gov) or visit us in person!
Check the Operating Hours and Seasons page for current visitor facilities.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Phone:

360 854-7200

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected