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Best trails in North Cascades National Park

Best trails in North Cascades National Park

4.5(9,321 reviews)

·

United States
#33 of 60 national parks

North Cascades National Park is a rugged, wilderness of conifer trees. The park features hiking trails along tree covered mountains that seem to stretch on forever, alpine meadows, impressive glaciers, the Skagit River, and stunning views of alpine lakes like Lake Ann or Diablo Lake. Scenic drives along the North Cascades Highway, boating on Ross Lake, climbing at Cascade Pass, Mount Shuksan, Mount Triumph, and Eldorado Peak, visiting the Stehekin Valley at the northern tip of Lake Chelan, and access to viewing wildlife such as grizzly bears, beaver, gray wolves, and over than 200 bird species are just some of your options.

Commercial boats and floatplanes are used to access the Stehekin area of the park. Please contact those services directly to ask about accessibility.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(360) 854-7200

No entrance fee or pass is required.

Annual pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
Overview

North Cascades National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.

The North Cascades Visitor Center, Sedro-Woolley information station, and Wilderness Information Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.

Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.

Additional information about accessibility at North Cascades National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/accessibility-index.htm

Facilities

The North Cascades Visitor Center, Sedro-Woolley information station, and Wilderness Information Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.

The Golden West Visitor Center is likely accessible with assistance due to the steep and uneven surface on the approach. Orientation films include closed captioning.

The Newhalen, Goodell Creek, and Lower Hozomeen Boat Launch Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.

There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: Shadows of the Sentinal Trail, Skagit General Store, Gorge Creek Falls, Diablo Lake Overlook, Happy Creek Forest Walk, Rainy Lake Trail, Washington Pass Overlook, and Hozomeen Campground.

Camping

The Upper and Lower Goodell Group Campgrounds have 1 individual wheelchair accessible camping site each and wheelchair accessible restrooms.

The Newhalem Creek Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and wheelchair accessible restrooms.

The Colonial Creek Campground has 3 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and wheelchair accessible restrooms.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for North Cascades National Park

12,104 trailgoers Busiest in July
Jul 15, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

One of the best hikes I've ever done! The trail was in great condition and the views were spectacular. I highly recommend this hike to anyone in the North Cascades. I only brought 2L of water but desperately needed at least 3L; make sure you bring enough water. Also, the parking lot fills up early (7:30am on a Tuesday) so plan to get their early or be ready to add a mile to your hike to park on the road. My phone died halfway through the hike so my activity metrics are all off.

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
Sep 17, 2024Hiking
Good conditionsNot crowded

From Stehekin High Bridge to Cutthroat pass. North Cascades NP on the PCT is largely uninteresting

Stehekin Valley to Rainy Pass via North Fork
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in North Cascades National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in North Cascades National Park is Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail, which has a 4.9 star rating from 2,664 reviews. This trail is 11.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,963 ft.

What is the longest trail in North Cascades National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in North Cascades National Park is The Great North Cascades Traverse. This trail is estimated to be 87.5 mi long.

How many trails are in North Cascades National Park?

There are 45 trails in North Cascades National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 9,321 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in North Cascades National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, North Cascades National Park has you covered. The Great North Cascades Traverse boasts the most elevation gain with 19,015 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Challenger: Challenger Glacier Route, which will get you 16,430 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in North Cascades National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 27 camping trails in North Cascades National Park and the most popular is Sahale Arm Trail to Sahale Mountain with an average 4.9 star rating from 418 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in North Cascades National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 running trails in North Cascades National Park and the most popular is Cascade Pass Trail to Doubtful Lake with an average 4.9 star rating from 745 community reviews.

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