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North Cascades National Park
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North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is one of the wildest and most rugged national parks in the United States. Located in northern Washington near the Canadian border, the park protects a spectacular landscape of sharp mountain peaks, deep valleys, glaciers, alpine lakes and thick forests. It is often referred to as the “American Alps” because of its dramatic mountain scenery.
This is where things get a little complicated and confusing: North Cascades National Park is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes North Cascades National Park along with Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Highway 20, also known as the North Cascades Scenic Highway, provides the main driving route through this incredible region (but is within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and not inside the national park itself). Along the highway are several outstanding viewpoints, trailheads and recreation areas, including Diablo Lake, Ross Lake and Washington Pass.
One of the highlights of visiting the North Cascades is the incredible turquoise-blue water of Diablo Lake. The lake gets its unusual color from extremely fine rock particles carried into the water by glacial runoff. Several overlooks along Highway 20 provide excellent views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lake Diablo lies with the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
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North Cascades National Park entrance sign.
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The adjacent MOUNT BAKER AREA is also closely associated with a North Cascades vacation. Mount Baker itself is outside the park boundary, but this area lies immediately next to the park and provides some of the finest views of Mount Shuksan, one of the most recognizable mountains within North Cascades National Park. The Mount Baker Highway leads to Heather Meadows and Artist Point, where visitors are treated to spectacular views of both Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Picture Lake, located near Heather Meadows, provides one of the classic views of Mount Shuksan, especially when the mountain reflects in the calm water.
North Cascades National Park is also a tremendous hiking destination, with hundreds of miles of trails leading into mountain valleys, old-growth forests and high alpine country. We really enjoy this region because it feels much less developed than many national parks. For visitors who enjoy mountains, hiking, glaciers, forests and spectacular scenery, the North Cascades National Park Service Complex and adjacent Mount Baker Area are outstanding places to explore.
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There are seemingly countless glacier-covered mountains in North Cascades National Park.
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North Cascade National Park Service Complex
Includes Three Sections:
1. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK
North Cascades National Park makes up the mountainous heart of the complex. It contains some of the most rugged peaks and heavily glaciated terrain in the lower 48 states, including Mount Shuksan and many remote wilderness areas. The park is split into two sections, which are separated by the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. There is the NORTH UNIT and the SOUTH UNIT. There are no roads leading into the North Unit. The South Unit has a gravel road that starts at Marblemount, which is called the Cascade River Road. This gravel road enters the South Unit midway, near Eldorado Peak and Forbidden Peak. Other than that, the South Unit is as primitive as the North Unit. So as strange as it sounds, none of our "Top Things To Do in North Cascades National Park" are actually within the borders of the national park.
2. ROSS LAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Ross Lake National Recreation Area runs through the center of the complex and includes Ross Lake, Diablo Lake and Gorge Lake. State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, travels through this recreation area, making it the most easily accessible portion of the complex. Boating, camping, hiking and sightseeing are especially popular here. The most popular attraction along State Route 20 (North Cascades Scenic Highway) is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which is the Lake Diablo Overlook. Again, none of this is inside North Cascades National Park.
3. LAKE CHELAN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located along the northern end of Lake Chelan and includes the remote community of Stehekin. This spectacular area is primarily reached by boat, hiking trail or aircraft.
Even though these are three separate National Park Service entities, visitors commonly see them referred to collectively as the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The complex includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Together, these three areas protect approximately 684,000 acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers and lakes.
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North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
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MOUNT BAKER AREA
The Mount Baker Area is directly west of North Cascades National Park, and is an essential part of any North Cascades National Park vacation. The Heather Meadows and Artist Point Area is one of the most scenic places to visit in the Mount Baker region of northern Washington. Located at the end of the Mount Baker Highway, this spectacular area sits immediately west of North Cascades National Park and provides some of the best views of the park’s rugged mountains, especially Mount Shuksan.
Heather Meadows is filled with alpine meadows, small mountain lakes, rocky ridges and an excellent network of hiking trails. Popular hikes include trails around Bagley Lakes, Chain Lakes, and the routes leading toward Artist Point. During the summer months, wildflowers cover many of the open slopes, while snowfields often remain well into the season.
One of the highlights of the area is Picture Lake, located along the highway just below Heather Meadows. On calm days, Mount Shuksan reflects beautifully in the lake, creating one of the most famous mountain scenes in Washington.
Artist Point sits higher above Heather Meadows and provides outstanding panoramic views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, and the surrounding North Cascades. We consider the Mount Baker Area (Heather Meadows) to be an important part of any North Cascades National Park vacation because of its easy access, incredible scenery and excellent hiking opportunities.
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Mount Shuksan reflecting in Picture Lake in the Mount Baker Area.
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Ptarmigan Ridge Trail in the Mount Baker Area at Artist Point.
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The Mount Baker Area (Heather Meadows, Artist Point, Chain Lakes Trail, etc.) between Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan is an important part of any North Cascades National Park vacation.
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Directions to Artist Point
To reach Artist Point Parking Area in the Mount Baker Area, begin in Bellingham, Washington, where State Route 542, also known as the Mount Baker Highway, heads east from Interstate 5. Follow SR 542 east through the communities of Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls and Glacier.
Continue through Glacier and remain on SR 542 as the highway follows the North Fork Nooksack River and begins climbing steadily into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The scenery becomes increasingly mountainous as the highway approaches the upper Mount Baker Area.
Near the end of the drive, you will reach Picture Lake, one of the most photographed locations in Washington because of its outstanding view of Mount Shuksan. Continue past Picture Lake into the Heather Meadows Area, where you will pass the Heather Meadows Visitor Center and several popular hiking trailheads.
From Heather Meadows, continue approximately 2.7 miles farther up SR 542 as the road climbs through the high alpine landscape. The highway ends at the large Artist Point Parking Area, which is your final destination.
Artist Point Parking Area is approximately 58 miles from Bellingham. The upper section of the highway beyond Heather Meadows is seasonal and typically opens during the summer after the heavy winter snow has been cleared.
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Artist Point Ridge Trail at Artist Point in the Mount Baker Area.
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North Cascades National Park has Countless Peaks and Glaciers!
The rugged mountain peaks and glaciers of North Cascades National Park are what make this park so spectacular. The North Cascades contain some of the steepest and most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lower 48, with jagged peaks rising above deep forested valleys. Mount Shuksan, Eldorado Peak, Forbidden Peak and the rugged Picket Range are just a few of the impressive mountains found within the park.
North Cascades National Park is also one of the most heavily glaciated areas in the United States outside Alaska. The North Cascades National Park Complex contains more than 300 glaciers and countless permanent snowfields, creating an incredible landscape of ice-covered peaks and steep glacial valleys. These glaciers also feed many of the rivers, streams and alpine lakes found throughout the region.
A major reason for all of this ice is the tremendous amount of snow the North Cascades receive each winter. Moist Pacific storms move inland and are forced upward by the mountains, producing extremely heavy snowfall at the higher elevations. In fact, the National Park Service describes the North Cascades as one of the snowiest places on earth.
This combination of tremendous snowfall, hundreds of glaciers and rugged mountain peaks gives North Cascades National Park its unmistakable alpine character. Even during the summer months, snow and ice remain an important part of the incredible scenery visitors see throughout the park.
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One of the 300 glaciers found in North Cascades National Park.
Diablo Lake Overlook along the North Cascades Scenic Highway.
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Mount Baker above a meadow of wildflowers.
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Cascade Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park.
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North Cascades National Park and surrounding areas are a hiker's dream come true.
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A nice scene along the Pyramid Lake Trail in North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
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Wildflowers along the Chain Lakes Loop Trail.
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Washington Pass along the North Cascades Highway.
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Mount Shuksan reflecting in Picture Lake in the Mount Baker Area.
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Hiking through a beautiful forest on the Pyramid Lake Trail in North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
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Ptarmigan Ridge Trail in the Mount Baker Area at Artist Point.
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Chain Lakes Loop in the Mount Baker Area at Artist Point.
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North Cascades Visitor Center.
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The fun gateway town of Winthrop.
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Ptarmigan Ridge Trail in the Mount Baker Area at Artist Point.
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Diablo Lake Overlook along the North Cascades Highway in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
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The views while hiking in North Cascades National Park are stunning!
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The North Cascades National Park and surrounding areas receive a ton snow each year.
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North Cascades National Park Fun Facts
North Cascades National Park Was Established in 1968
North Cascades National Park was officially established on October 2, 1968. The park was created to protect the rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers and wilderness of the North Cascades.
The Park Covers More Than 500,000 Acres
North Cascades National Park protects more than 500,000 acres of spectacular mountain country in northern Washington. Much of this land remains undeveloped wilderness.
More Than 300 Glaciers Are Found in the Park
North Cascades National Park contains more than 300 glaciers, giving it one of the greatest concentrations of glaciers in the Lower 48 states. These glaciers have helped shape the park's steep valleys, sharp peaks and alpine landscapes.
Mount Shuksan Is Inside North Cascades National Park
Mount Shuksan is one of the most recognizable mountains in the North Cascades. Rising to 9,131 feet, Mount Shuksan is located within North Cascades National Park, even though some of its most famous views are from the nearby Mount Baker area.
The Park Has Very Few Roads
North Cascades National Park is different from many national parks because there are very few roads within its boundaries. Most of the interior is reached by hiking trails, making this one of the more rugged national parks in the country.
State Route 20 Does Not Actually Travel Through North Cascades National Park
The famous North Cascades Scenic Highway, State Route 20, travels through Ross Lake National Recreation Area between the northern and southern sections of North Cascades National Park. Visitors often think the highway runs directly through the national park itself.
The North Cascades Are Known as the "American Alps"
The sharp mountain peaks, deep valleys, glaciers and rugged alpine scenery of North Cascades National Park have helped earn the North Cascades the nickname "American Alps."
The Park Receives Tremendous Amounts of Snow
Heavy Pacific storms bring enormous amounts of snow to the higher elevations of North Cascades National Park. This snowfall helps maintain the park's glaciers and supplies water to its rivers and streams. Some of the higher elevations receive several hundred inches of snow each year, with up to 500 inches or more possible in the snowiest areas.
Hundreds of Mountain Peaks Fill the Park
North Cascades National Park contains an incredible concentration of rugged peaks. Mount Shuksan, Mount Challenger, Mount Triumph and Eldorado Peak are among the best-known mountains within the park.
Thousands of Waterfalls Are Found Throughout the Mountains
Heavy snowfall, glaciers and steep mountain terrain create countless waterfalls throughout North Cascades National Park. Many are seasonal and become especially impressive during spring and early summer snowmelt.
Wolverines Live in North Cascades National Park
The park's large areas of remote wilderness provide habitat for wolverines, one of the rarest and most elusive mammals in the Lower 48 states.
Mountain Goats Thrive in the Rugged Terrain
Mountain goats are well suited to the steep cliffs, rocky slopes and high alpine country found throughout North Cascades National Park. They are one of the park's most recognizable large mammals.
Large Areas of Old-Growth Forest Remain Protected
At lower elevations, North Cascades National Park protects impressive forests of western red cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock and other native trees. These lush forests provide a dramatic contrast to the glaciers and rocky peaks above.
Much of North Cascades National Park Is Designated Wilderness
The vast majority of the park is protected as wilderness. This is one reason North Cascades National Park remains so undeveloped, remote and wild compared with many other national parks.
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North Cascades National Park is a remote and rugged park that is like no other parks in the country.
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