Where To Stay North Cascades National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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800-273-2606 or northcascades.com.

Totem Trail Motel

: Eight units off the highway, starting at $60/night in summer. 360-873-4535 or totemtrail.com. North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin: 28 units, including lakeview rooms, some with kitchens, start at $122/night.

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What’s the best time to visit North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park Complex is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The best time of year to visit the park is from

mid-June through mid-September

, but make sure you are prepared for summer storms. Snow may hang around on some trails until July. Avalanches tend to cause road closures in the winter.

Does North Cascades National Park have a lodge?


The Lodge is part of the North Cascades National Park Complex

and is accessible only by the Lady of the Lake ferry boat, or choose one of the 40 trailheads with hundreds of miles of trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Enjoy fine lodging and dining in a peaceful, secluded, and very scenic location!

What town is closest to North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park Nearest city

Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Coordinates 48°49′58′′N 121°20′51′′WCoordinates: 48°49′58′′N 121°20′51′′W

How long does it take to drive the Cascade Loop?

Though it can be done in as little as a day or stretched out as long as a few weeks, the average trip on this—one of the nation’s most scenic highways—takes

two to four days

. Cascade Loop had been on my radar for some time when I cleared my calendar and set off on a five-day vacation.

What is the Cascade Loop?

The Cascade Loop is

a scenic driving tour that takes you through diverse sections of the beautiful state of Washington

. Cities and towns on the loop route include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville.

Which is better Mt Rainier or North Cascades?

They’re both magnificently scenic, but North Cascades is primarily a wilderness and a backpacker’s paradise.

Mt. Rainier is much more accessible with lots of short nature hikes

. So, if you’re looking for a wilderness backpacking experience – North Cascades.

How many days do you need in North Cascades National Park?

You need a bare minimum of

one full day

for North Cascades National Park. Of course, more time is always better. With one day in North Cascades National Park, drive North Cascades Highway, visit the overlooks, and do one or two hikes. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob.

How long does it take to drive through North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park has no entrance fee. How Long:

At least 2-3 hours

, just to drive through with no stops. Do plan time for a few stops! Amenities: Visitor centers with restrooms, picnic areas, camping, limited dining and lodging options.

How do you get to Stehekin Lodge?

Stehekin is only accessible

by boat, plane, and hiking trails

. Be sure to make arrangements for transportation before your trip. Leaving from the town of Chelan, the Lady Express ferry takes approximately 2.5 hours to Stehekin. The Lady II ferry takes a leisurely 4-hour journey.

How do you get to the Lodge at Stehekin?

To get to Stehekin our guests must plan to take The Lady of the Lake (boat ferry) OR the Stehekin Ferry from Chelan, or make the beautiful 23 mile hike from Highway 20 to High Bridge where you hop on the red bus to Stehekin.

Is Stehekin in North Cascades National Park?


Washington’s North Cascades National Park

, home to the Lodge at Stehekin, is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. From the temperate rainforest of the wet west side to the dry ponderosa pine of the east, the park encompasses nearly 800 square miles of breathtaking, unspoiled wilderness.

Do you need a reservation for North Cascades National Park?


Reservations must be made at least 2 days before the trip start date

. If you are unable to make a reservation, walk-up permits can still be obtained at the Wilderness Information Center and certain permitting offices the day of or day before your trip.

How much does it cost to go to North Cascades National Park?

There is

no fee

to enter North Cascades National Park. Enjoy your visit! If you plan to visit other parks with an entrance fee, learn more about the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass series and fee free days in the national parks.

Is Cascade National Park closed?

Washington’s Birthday February 20 Closed Memorial Day May 30 Closed Independence Day July 4 Closed Holiday Date Hours

Are there grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park?


Grizzly bears are very rare residents in North Cascades

. North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area encompass some of the wildest areas in the contiguous United States. The rugged mountains provide wonderful habitat for black and grizzly bears.

Where is Cascade Loop Scenic Highway?

The Cascade Loop is a scenic 440-mile drive taking you past some of the most spectacular Washington State scenery! The journey starts in

northern Washington near Everett, about 30 miles north of Seattle

. Head east on Highway 2 and you’re on your way!

Can you drive around North Cascades National Park?


The main road that cuts through North Cascades NP is called Highway 20 or North Cascades Highway

. Running 57 miles within the park boundary, it features some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest. Constructed in 1972, the beginning of the journey travels parallel with the Skagit River.

When cascade control is used?

When Should Cascade Control be Used? Cascade control should always be used if you have a process with relatively slow dynamics (like level, temperature, composition, humidity) and a liquid or gas flow, or some other relatively-fast process, has to be manipulated to control the slow process.

What highway goes through the Cascade Mountains?

Passing by the massive bulk of Liberty Bell and Early Winters spires, the

North Cascades Highway 20

climbs steadily through expansive, rugged beauty toward Washington and Rainy Pass viewpoints (milepost 157.6).

Where do the Cascade Mountains start and end?

The Cascade Range is part of a vast mountain chain that spans for over 500 miles, from

Mount Shasta, in northern California to British Columbia in the north

. The beautiful North Cascade Range, located in northwestern Washington State, has some of the most scenic, and geologically complex mountains in the United States.

What is the most visited national park in Washington?


Mount Rainer National Park

Visible on a clear day from Seattle, this is the most popular national park in Washington State for visitors and locals. That is not surprising, as Mount Rainer is the highest peak in Washington at 14,410 feet above sea level.

Is North Cascades or Olympic National Park better?


The Cascades have by far the more impressive mountains

, and Mt. Rainier looks like something from another world, but ONP provides an incredible wilderness experience with some of the most diverse scenery in the world.

How many days do you need in Olympic National Park?

At a minimum, you need

three full days

in Olympic National Park, if you want to visit Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coastline, and the temperate rainforests. However, more time is better, as it allows you to hike more trails and it gives you some contingency time should it rain or snow, which is entirely possible.

How do I spend a day in North Cascades National Park?
  1. Stop By the North Cascades Visitor Centre. …
  2. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. …
  3. Admire the Lights at Ladder Creek Falls. …
  4. Find a Waterfall at the Gorge Overlook. …
  5. Admire the Stunning Diablo Lake. …
  6. Take a Boat Out on Ross Lake. …
  7. Enjoy a Loop Hike at Maple Pass.

What is North Cascades National Park known for?

Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park’s rugged beauty is characterized by

jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers

— more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska.

Can you swim in Diablo Lake?

The Swim: Diablo Lake


Diablo Lake is easily accessible from the North Cascades Highway

making this an absolute must-see if it’s your first trip through these mountains. Visit the overlook above for an expansive vista of the lake and surrounding mountains, or park down below to dip your feet in.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.