North Cascades National Park Camping

North Cascades National Park Hotels

Below is a selection of the top North Cascades National Park cabins and hotels near North Cascades National Park.

• Wizards Cabin: Cute tiny home Airbnb near North Cascades
• Sun Mountain Lodge: The most luxurious option on the list!
• Rivers Edge Resort: Cottages & chalets and a private deck with a hot tub
• Hotel Rio Vista: All rooms have river views and a balcony
• AbbeyCreek Inn: Gets great reviews and is based on the Methow River, with free WiFi, an outdoor pool and free breakfast
• Aspen Lodge: Cute North Cascades National Park lodging with skiing straight to the door in winter

Best Fire Lookout Tower Hikes

North Cascades National Park is home to dozens of historic fire lookout towers.

Once used to patrol the area for forest fires, these remnants of the past now serve as interesting hiking destinations. Located on top of some of the highest peaks, youre almost always in for a great view.

The 10.4-mile roundtrip Sourdough Mountain is accessed from the town of Marblemount. The lookout tower was built in 1933. It was notably manned by Beat Generation poets Gary Snyder and Phillip Whalen.

Desolation Peak is home to another fire lookout manned by a Beat Generation writer and poet. The lookout tower and surrounding area has been widely mythologized in Jack Kerouacs writings. The 9.4-mile roundtrip hike rewards you with beautiful views of the northern section of the North Cascades. This trail is most easily accessed from the Hozomeen Campground.

Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 94 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake.

The campground is located on the southern side of State Route 20, with some campsites along the lakefront of Diablo Lake. The entire facility offers drinking water, flush toilets, garbage removal and some paved parking spaces, but most sites have uneven gravel parking. Each campsite offers a picnic table and campfire ring.

Also Check: Rv Camping Near Port Angeles Wa

Camping In North Cascades National Park: The 10 Best Spots

Camping is a popular pastime with people from all walks of life. Some prefer to pitch a tent in prime wilderness terrain, and others would rather vacation in a forested region with lots of amenities. Many consider these 10 campgrounds to be among the best camping in North Cascades National Park and the surrounding scenic areas.

The available campgrounds in this pristine forested park region range from primitive campsites located off the usual tourist grid all the way to luxury amenities and finer cabin accommodations found in resort style campgrounds. Many families travel the country via RVs or trailer campers of every size and description.

Whatever your favorite camping modes and styles, there is a perfect North Cascades National Park campground awaiting your arrival.

Dont Miss Gorge Creek Falls

• Waterfall emerges from fog along the North Cascades National Park highway in Washington state.
• Gorge Creek falls precipitously along the North Cascades National Park highway in Washington state.

Looking for an enormous, stunning, and unique waterfall? Gorge Creek Falls is it. And its easily accessible, too. Simply follow the pedestrian walkway to view this magnificent feat of nature. Here, water cascades a staggering 242 feet down the North Cascades before entering Gorge Lake. Then, it passes through Gorge Powerhouse onto the Skagit River.

For the most impressive falls, head to Gorge Creek in spring and early summer as the snow melt feeds it. Water flows year-round, with the largest amount in spring and early summer during snow melt. And if youre eager for more, walk the continued interpretive trail for fantastic views of Gorge Lake and Gorge Dam.

Read Also: Camping Sites Near The Beach

Free Camping In North Cascades National Park

Free camping in North Cascades National Park is surprisingly abundant.

Most of the parks car campgrounds require a small fee during the main season. All campgrounds which remain open during the off-season are free for intrepid winter campers. All backcountry campsites are free year-round with a backcountry permit.

Nearby North Cascades free camping areas include dispersed sites in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and near Baker Lake. Hozomeen Campground at the north of Ross Lake is also free year-round.

Another free camping option is to explore the many Sno Parks and Rest Areas along Highway 20. However, these are typically only for overnight stays in RVs and cars. Most don`t allow tents, campfires, or the other normal trappings of camping.

Most of these free campsites are dispersed camping areas without any services , so get ready for boondocking.

In addition to our complete guide to free camping, FreeCampsites.net is one of the best resources to find free camping in the North Cascades.

Rv Camping Near North Cascades National Park

The Wild and Scenic Skagit River | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

Popular for county residents and river enthusiasts from across the world, Howard Miller Steelhead Park is adjacent to the Wild and Scenic Skagit River. Accessed via State Route 20 and named after a long-term Skagit County commissioner, Howard Miller features nearly 50 spaces for RVs and 10 walk-in tent sites.

Fishing and rafting are prevalent on the adjacent Skagit River, and a public boat ramp at the park helps facilitate these endeavors. Hiking and biking along the shore is also popular from the park, and the interpretive Wetland Wildlife Trail extends from Howard Miller before connecting to other trails in the area. Amenities at the campground include hot showers, clean restrooms, and a playground area.

Read Also: Free Tent Camping Near Sacramento

Cascade Pass Trail Is Iconic North Cascades National Park

• Johannesburg Mountain from Cascade Pass Trail, North Cascades National Park, Washington.
• Doubtful Lake, Sahale Mountain and Ripsaw Ridge from Cascade Pass-Sahale Arm Trail, North Cascades National Park, Washington.

• Located at the end of the Cascade River Road
• 3.7 miles one way / 1700 ft elevation gain
• A popular day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers

Some will tell you that Cascade Pass Trail should be the #1 spot on this list. And they would not be wrong at all. In fact, from this point on its less about which is #1 and more about making sure you know these places exist in North Cascades. Each is beyond brilliant.

Cascade Pass specifically is a great day hike with spectacular views of mountain peaks and their glaciers. Youll see Eldorado, Johannesburg, Magic, Mixup and McGregors peaks all from the pass. Youll also have the best access to the alpine ecosystem of North Cascades. And do not miss the trails for Doubtful Lake. It is the parks best hidden gem.

Maple Pass To Lake Ann

Were down to my favorite hike and one of the absolute best things in North Cascades National Park. This is one of those choosing which is your favorite kid types of situations but if Ive got to give an answer then the Maple Pass hike to Lake Ann is the best in North Cascades.

The total length of the hike is 7.4 miles with just under 2,200 feet of elevation gain but that all washes away with the sublime scenery. Well you still might feel the incline but oh the views.

Go in the fall for even more spectacular grandeur as the larches turn into a blazing golden yellow lighting up the landscape in an unforgettable way. The views of Lake Ann are just the icing on the cake for this stunning hike.

Don’t Miss: Angels Camp Rv And Camping Resort

More Related Articles On Planetwarecom

Camping in Washington: For a great look at some of the top campgrounds in the state, our Best Campgrounds in Washington State article can point you in the right direction. If your adventure is beginning in Seattle, some of the best campgrounds close to Seattle aid in awesome weekend getaways. To stay at some of the best state and national parks of Washington, be sure to check out the other campgrounds in Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. Over on the east side of the state, campgrounds near Spokane also deliver on great places to spend the night.

Adventure in Washington: From the state’s best hiking trails to the top-rated waterfalls, Washington is stacked with adventure. North Cascade hiking trails will test your legs, as will the best hiking trails at Mount Rainier National Park, and the hiking trails at Olympic all lead to inspiring places.

Top-rated hot springs are another fun thing to check out in Washington, as well as some of the best kayak adventures. During winter, Washington comes to life with a wide variety of awesome ski resorts.

Traveling The North Cascades Highway

Route 20 is really the only road through North Cascades National Park, but what a beautiful way to go!

Our family arrived from the east, in the middle of a 10,000-mile road trip across America, and what we were most impressed with, was how incredibly different the eastern and western slopes of the mountains are. The eastern slopes have a very dry, old-west feel to them, with lots of sagebrush, horses, and ranch land.

After cresting the mountains and heading down the western slope, we found ourselves in the midst of lush old-growth forests, dark and drippy, and covered with moss. We loved the juxtaposition of the two climates converging within a few hours drive.

Recommended Reading: Camping Sites In Tampa Florida

Primary And Secondary Education

Whatcom County residents are served by public and private schools, providing preschool, primary , and secondary education. Public schools are operated by eight school districts. Each school district is an independent local government managed by an elected school board. Seven districts serve the western portion of Whatcom County. One district serves the southeast corner of Whatcom County. The remaining portion of the county is national forest or national park land, which has no permanent residents.

These districts are:

• serves Bellingham, Chuckanut, Lake Samish, and Sudden Valley.
• serves Blaine, Birch Bay, and Point Roberts.

North Cascades National Park Must

North Cascades National Park is brimming with must-see destinations.

But, thanks to the park`s unique geography, layout, and lack of development, many of the most beautiful areas are difficult to access.

Fortunately, there are countless breathtaking sites within the national park complex that are easy to access by car or via a short hike.

Also Check: Camping Near Edisto Beach Sc

Where To Buy Groceries/supplies

There are no grocery stores, convenience stores, or other places to buy supplies in North Cascades National Park.

Most visitors do their shopping before starting their trip.

Large grocery and convenience stores are located in the towns of Burlington and Winthrop .

Burlington has large chain stores like Fred Meyer and Safeway as well as a Walmart Supercenter and a selection of smaller convenience stores.

Winthrop`s largest grocery store is a Thriftway Store. There are also a number of small convenience stores in town.

Closer to the west side of the park, you`ll find a Red Apple Market in Concrete, the Skagit General Store in Rockport, and a few gas stations with limited supplies in Marblemount. On the east side is the family-run Mazama Store in Mazama.

The REI in Lynwood and the Cabela`s in Tulalip are the best outdoor recreation stores to stock up on any forgotten camping or hiking supplies for those traveling to the park from Seattle.

How To Get To North Cascades National Park

Located in the northwest part of Washington, the North Cascades National Park is a remote park near the US-Canadian border. Due to its remoteness, the national park has limited access points. North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area can be accessed from State Route 20 . Many of northern parts of the park, including Hozomeen, Mount Shuksan, and Cooper Ridge, can be accessed from Silver-Skagit Road and State Route 542 . The only way to access the Ross Lake Shoreline is by a 37-mile gravel road from B.C. Highway 1 in Hope, British Columbia.

Other parts of the park, like Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, can only be accessed by foot or passenger ferry. Ferry service is available from Chelan on Route 97. For a unique experience, a float plane is another option. Stehekin can be accessed by foot on the Cascade Pass, Eagle Creek, and several other trailheads.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the closest airport to North Cascades National Park. You can reach the main entrance of the national park via Route I-5 in about two hours. Alternatively, you can access the park via BC-99/I-5 from Vancouver International Airport in under 2.5 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

RVshare

Read Also: Morgan Monroe State Forest Camping

Your Guide To An Epic North Cascades Camping Trip

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Spending a weekend camping at North Cascades National Park should be on every nature-lovers bucket list. With beautiful forested trails, sweeping views, bright blue lakes, and plenty of epic campsites, its truly a hikers paradise. Its also one of the least-visited national parks, so its a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy the scenery in solitude. Its no wonder why North Cascades is also called The American Alps!

Keep reading for details to plan your trip!

Scenic Drive On The North Cascades Highway

Have mobility issues and/or not exactly up for an intense backpacking adventure? Dont worry. Some of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park dont even require setting foot out of your car .

As part of the greater Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway, North Cascades Highway is easily of the most beautiful drives in the world. You heard that right. This roughly 30 mile stretch of road features towering mountain peaks, pristine old-growth forests, endless waterfalls, and turquoise blue lakes.

Along the way there are many epic viewpoints such as Ross Lake Overlook and Diablo Lake Overlook .

NOTE: Be sure to check the national park service website for current conditions before heading out as they are subject to weather changes and natural events such as wildfires. The road closes partially during winter and does not serve as a through route during this time.

You May Like: Camping Near White Salmon Wa

Other Things To Do Near North Cascades National Park

The area surrounding North Cascades National Park is filled with countless points of interest.

Many people, especially those from out of state, go camping in North Cascades National Park as only one part of a larger Washington State camping trip or vacation.

Here are some nearby attractions to visit on your North Cascades camping trip:

Driving Directions To North Cascades

From both Seattle and Vancouver the journey is roughly 2-3 hours. Depending on traffic and how long the queue at the border is if youre coming from Canada.

Seattle to North Cascades National Park

From Seattle head north on the I-5 until you get to the WA-530 E/State Rte 530 NE. Follow the WA-530 EState Rte 530 NE WA-20 E Rockport and then continue until youre in the park.

Vancouver to North Cascades National Park

Head south out of Vancouver on BC-99 towards the Peace Arch border crossing. Then take the I-5 southbound once in the US. Take exit 232 and then go along the WA-20 eastbound and this will take you into the park.

Read Also: What Is The Average Price For Rv Camping

North Cascades National Park Gem: Blue Lake Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip

Operated by the U.S. Forest Service in North Cascades Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Blue Lake Trail begins at the trailhead of the same name. And pictures do not do this place justice. Blue Lake is an excellent place to start in the park complex as it offers a taste of everything national park goers look for in North Cascades along a truly excellent, easygoing trail.

Ready to see towering granite peaks, ancient forests, and a pristine mountain lake surrounded by granite peaks? Blue Lake Trail begins directly off of North Cascades Highway . Theres a paved parking area with about 20 designated parking spots, but it is often full, so be sure to park safely and off the highway. Regardless, this trail is a particularly great choice if you only have time for one stop along Highway 20.

Backpacking Into The Vast Wilderness

Going backpacking is easily one of the most popular things to do in North Cascades National Park. To say that North Cascades is a backpackers paradise is somewhat of and understatement. There are nearly 350,000 acres of wilderness adventures available to backpackers via the Stephen Mather Wilderness which makes up most of the parks acreage.

If youre ever in need of some epic backpacking/adventure inspiration, start your search with the seriously talented Scott Kranz whose work in the North Cascades & beyond has inspired us for years.

There are more than 45 designated cross country camping / backpacking areas in North Cascades. If youre interested in learning more on the permits required and types of backpacking adventures available in North Cascades National Park, be sure to check out the parks backpacking page.

Don’t Miss: List Of Florida State Parks With Camping

Where To Stay Near North Cascades National Park

Because North Cascades is a bit more wild than other National Parks in the US, youre not going to find a lot of places to stay in North Cascades National Park itself.

However, there are plenty of places to stay just outside of the National Park as well as campsites within it and, as above, its not that far from Vancouver and Seattle if you really dont want to camp!