North Cascades

North Cascades offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the United States, with jagged granite towers, more than 300 glaciers, and a maze of rivers and basins. The park complex combines North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, creating a continuous wilderness that is mostly roadless. The iconic Cascade Pass and surrounding peaks draw climbers and hikers who seek expansive views and remote campsites; backcountry permits are required year-round and are issued through the park’s ranger centers. Reachable by the scenic North Cascades Highway (SR 20) when open, the area also features Stehekin at Lake Chelan’s headwaters, accessible by boat or footpath. For the adventurous traveler, the North Cascades offer endless day hikes, challenging multi-day treks, and opportunities to witness glacier-carved scenery up close. The best window to visit is late summer when many trails are snow-free and most facilities reopen after winter closures.