National Park Guide

North Cascades National Park

Washington, US

A rugged wilderness of jagged peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes hidden in the heart of Washington State.

504,781

Acres

400

Trails

1968

Established

30,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

May - October

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 2.5 hours

Best Months

July, August, September

Highlights

Diablo Lake Overlook
Cascade Pass Trail
Ross Lake floating cabins
Over 300 glaciers
Thunder Creek Trail

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in North Cascades National Park

Cascade Pass Trail

Strenuous

7.4 miles round trip

1,800 ft gain

Thunder Knob Trail

Easy

3.6 miles round trip

400 ft gain

Maple Pass Loop Trail

Strenuous

7.2 miles loop

2,000 ft gain

Blue Lake Trail

Moderate

4.4 miles round trip

1,050 ft gain

Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Easy

0.5 miles round trip

100 ft gain

About North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park protects over 500,000 acres of dramatic mountain scenery, including more than 300 glaciers — the most of any park in the lower 48 states. The park's remote valleys, turquoise lakes, and old-growth forests offer some of the most pristine wilderness experiences in the country.

In-Depth Guide

North Cascades National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to North Cascades National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Washington's rugged alpine wilderness.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near North Cascades National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Sun Mountain Lodge

$$$

A stylish 3.5-star mountain lodge set on 1,500 acres of wilderness near Winthrop, offering stunning panoramic views, a full-service spa, and year-round outdoor adventures.

1 hour drive$250-450/night

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North Cascades Inn

A cozy lodge in Marblemount offering free WiFi and parking, perfectly positioned as the last stop before entering North Cascades National Park from the west.

15 min drive$130-200/night

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Mt. Baker Hotel

A charming historic hotel originally built in 1924 in downtown Concrete, featuring spacious suites with kitchenettes and serving as a convenient basecamp for North Cascades exploration.

30 min drive$85-150/night

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Compare North Cascades National Park

See how North Cascades National Park stacks up against other national parks

North Cascades National Park vs Olympic National Park

Choose North Cascades for dramatic alpine scenery, challenging mountain hikes, and deep solitude. Choose Olympic for ecosystem diversity with rainforest, coast, and mountains all in one park.

See full comparison