Park Closure
Campfire Ban in All Portions of the Park Complex Begins June 29
Effective Monday, June 29, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills. Propane fire pits are not allowed during the ban.
More infoPark Closure
Road Closures - Cascade River Road
Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 20 (Eldorado) two miles before the trailhead. Visit the Road Conditions page for more information on road closures within the park complex.
More infoPark Closure
Campground Closure - Goodell Creek Campground
Goodell Creek Campground is closed until further notice due to bear activity.
More infoInformation
Services Limited at Stehekin Landing
The park complex experienced severe weather events following flood damage in December 2025, causing unsafe conditions and limiting basic infrastructure in some areas. Operations at Stehekin Landing are limited.
More infoPark Closure
Temporary Closures for Peregrine Nesting
The following established climbing management areas are closed to all public use from March 1, 2026 to July 15, 2026 to protect peregrine falcon nesting aeries: Newhalem Crag East and Newhalem Crag West (Ryan’s Wall).
Caution
Stehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow Area
The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area
More infoPark Closure
Hozomeen Gate Remains Closed
Until further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.
More infoPark Closure
Fire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp Closures
For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
More infoCaution
Diablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to Powerboats
Due to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.
More infoCaution
Be Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20
Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.
North Cascades National Park
WA · Sedro-Woolley
Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.
Riding guide
Horses provided
Highlights
North Cascades National Park is rugged, remote, and breathtaking; a landscape of jagged alpine peaks, glacier-fed rivers, and…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 250-300 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Stock use is permitted on designated trails within the park complex, offering riders access to wilderness routes that climb through old-growth forest and into high mountain terrain. Expect elevation gain, narrow sections, river crossings, and dramatic weather shifts.
Rideable terrain
250-300 miles
Trailer parking
Hozomeen Campground / Hozomeen Trailhead (Ross Lake Area) This is one of the best staging areas for equestrians in the park complex. Why riders use it • Large open campground area that can accommodate truck and trailer rigs • Direct access to stock-permitted trails along the Hozomeen and Lightning Creek areas • Remote wilderness riding with long backcountry routes • Access to Ross Lake valley trail system This area provides some of the longest uninterrupted riding routes in the North Cascades. Cascade River Road Trailheads Several trailheads along Cascade River Road allow trailer staging. Common starting points include • Cascade Pass / Eldorado area trailheads • Mineral Park trailhead Features • Gravel parking areas • Access to backcountry pack routes • Less crowded than highway trailheads Some lots are small, so maneuvering large trailers requires care. Stehekin Valley (Lake Chelan Area) Another excellent equestrian region within the park complex. Features • Stock-permitted trails running through the Stehekin River valley • Staging areas near valley trailheads • Access to extensive backcountry routes Access requires ferry or boat travel across Lake Chelan, which makes it more complex but very scenic. Important Things Riders Should Know • Much of the park is designated wilderness, meaning infrastructure is minimal. • Some trailheads may require careful maneuvering with larger trailers. • Snowpack can keep trails closed into early summer. • Many equestrian trips here are multi-day backcountry rides.
Horse regulations
Designated Trails Only Horses and other pack stock are permitted only on designated stock trails within the park complex. Cross-country travel is not allowed. Many interior alpine routes are closed to stock due to steep terrain and resource protection. Stock access is more common in valley corridors and selected backcountry trails. Wilderness Permits Required (Overnight) A backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips with stock. • Campsites are assigned by zone • Quotas apply • Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season Day riding does not require a permit. Stock Camping Rules • Stock must camp only in designated stock camps or approved backcountry sites • Highlining or approved tethering methods are required • Protect trees and fragile vegetation • Camping near water is restricted to designated areas Grazing & Feed • Grazing is prohibited in most areas. • Certified weed-free feed is required. • Feed may not be scattered on the ground. • Pack out unused forage and manure. Trail Conditions & Restrictions • Many trails involve steep switchbacks, narrow sections, and river crossings. • Snow can linger into late summer at higher elevations. • Some high alpine routes are not suitable for stock. Always confirm current trail status before departure. Group Size & Control Group size limits apply and include both people and animals. Stock must remain under control at all times.
Getting here
Use 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, Washington as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Hozomeen Campground / Hozomeen Trailhead (Ross Lake Area) This is one of the best staging areas for equestrians in the park complex. Why riders use it • Large open campground area that can accommodate truck and trailer rigs • Direct access to stock-permitted trails along the Hozomeen and Lightning Creek areas • Remote wilderness riding with long backcountry routes • Access to Ross Lake valley trail system This area provides some of the longest uninterrupted riding routes in the North Cascades. Cascade River Road Trailheads Several trailheads along Cascade River Road allow trailer staging. Common starting points include • Cascade Pass / Eldorado area trailheads • Mineral Park trailhead Features • Gravel parking areas • Access to backcountry pack routes • Less crowded than highway trailheads Some lots are small, so maneuvering large trailers requires care. Stehekin Valley (Lake Chelan Area) Another excellent equestrian region within the park complex. Features • Stock-permitted trails running through the Stehekin River valley • Staging areas near valley trailheads • Access to extensive backcountry routes Access requires ferry or boat travel across Lake Chelan, which makes it more complex but very scenic. Important Things Riders Should Know • Much of the park is designated wilderness, meaning infrastructure is minimal. • Some trailheads may require careful maneuvering with larger trailers. • Snowpack can keep trails closed into early summer. • Many equestrian trips here are multi-day backcountry rides.
Planning your visit
North Cascades National Park trails are primarily natural, rugged surfaces consisting of dirt/soil, with sections of rock, gravel, and talus, particularly on steep alpine routes. • This is serious alpine wilderness. Trails can be steep, narrow, and exposed, with long elevation gains and limited turnaround space. • Snow lingers late. Many higher-elevation trails remain inaccessible well into summer, and some passes may not be suitable for stock even when open. • Glacier-fed river crossings are common. Water levels fluctuate with snowmelt and can rise quickly during warm weather. • Overnight stock trips require a backcountry permit, and campsites are assigned by zone. Plan ahead — quotas apply. • Stock access is limited to designated trails and approved camps. Many rugged alpine routes are closed to horses. • Grazing is prohibited in most areas. Bring certified weed-free feed and use proper highlining techniques to protect trees and vegetation. • Wildlife includes black bears, mountain goats, and other alpine species. Store feed securely and practice Leave No Trace principles. • Cell service is extremely limited. North Cascades is one of the most remote national parks in the lower 48 — self-sufficiency is essential.
Where to stay
Park And Forest Information Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry indicates both guided ride support and horse-camping potential, making North Cascades National Park one of the more flexible federal options for riders building a fuller travel plan. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Sedro-Woolley before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Park map
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
Colonial Creek North Campground
38 sites
Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities for various abilities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Reserve a siteColonial Creek South Campground
93 sites
Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available first-come, first-served in the winter (sites 64-73). Sites may be difficult to access in winter. Reservations required late May to September. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Reserve a siteGoodell Creek Campground
19 sites
Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or 7 days in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River and fishing on the Skagit and its tributaries.
Reserve a siteGorge Lake Campground
8 sites
Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-served during the winter. Summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a boat launch on Gorge Lake, fishing, and hiking trails.
Reserve a siteHarlequin Campground
7 sites
Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles from the public airstrip. All sites are walk-in sites though some have limited parking. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Reserve a siteHozomeen Campground
75 sites
Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include boat launches, pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grates. Guests must pack-out all trash. Campsites located in the Upper Loop are closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
Lakeview Campground
9 sites
Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Lakeview Campground is a five-minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents and first-come, first-served. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Lower Goodell Group Campground
2 sites
Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has 5 tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people and 20 vehicles per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Reserve a siteNewhalem Creek Campground
107 sites
Newhalem Creek Campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem and the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has individual campsites as well as two group sites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are only a short walk away.
Reserve a sitePurple Point Campground
6 sites
Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Purple Point Campground is a ten-minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents and are first-come, first-served. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Points of interest
Agnes Gorge Trail
POIAn easy 5-mile roundtrip hike to Agnes Gorge.
Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest) Trail
POIWalk through forested slopes with occasional mountain views on this moderate day hike, or connect to longer backpacking routes. 7 miles roundtrip.
Buckner Orchard
POIHistoric apple orchard and homestead with seasonal public apple picking.
Cascade Pass Trail
POIA popular day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers. 7.4 miles roundtrip.
Company Creek Trail
POICompany Creek Trail rises steeply through an open forest for brief views of Stehekin Valley and Bonanza Peak.
Diablo Lake Overlook
POIConsidered one of the best scenic vistas in the park complex, Diablo Lake Overlook provides a stunning view of rugged mountains and a large glacial lake.
Diablo Lake Trail
POIHike through the forest for peek-a-boo views of Diablo Lake. 7.6 miles roundtrip.
East Bank Trail
POIA moderate trail though lowland forests with lakeside views. Variable distance and elevation gain.
Easy Pass Trail
POIA steep trail to a mountain pass with panoramic vistas. 7.4 miles roundtrip.
Fourth of July Pass Trail
POITravel through an old-growth forest for mountain and glacier views. 10 miles roundtrip.
Gorge Creek Falls
POITake in views of a large waterfall and walk along a short, interpretive trail to an overlook.
Happy Panther Trail
POIHike in the forest along the steep bank of Ruby Arm. Up to 10 miles roundtrip.
Harlequin Bridge
POIA trussed bridge crosses the Stehekin River.
High Bridge
POIHigh Bridge is the historic site of the High Bridge Ranger Station and provides views of the Stehekin River. A variety of trails begin in or pass through the area.
Howard Lake Trail
POIHoward Lake, a small forest lake frequented by wildlife.
Hozomeen Lake Trail
POIHike a moderate trail to scenic Hozomeen Lake.
Imus Creek Trail
POIThe 1.0 mile Imus Creek Trail loops through the forest above Stehekin Landing.
International Point
POIVisit a picnic area with scenic views and a boat launch.
Lakeshore Trail
POIThe easy-to-moderate Lakeshore Trail follows the north shore of Lake Chelan from Prince Creek to Stehekin.
Lakeview Point and Picnic Area
POIPicnic area with interpretive wayside exhibits, bench, and scenic view of Lake Chelan.
McGregor Mountain Trail
POIA steep and strenuous trail up McGregor Mountain.
McKellar Cabin Trail
POIMonogram Lake
POIA strenuous hike to a small cirque lake. 10 miles roundtrip.
North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin
POIAn authorized concessionaire with the NPS, offering lodging, restaurant, and general store.
Old Wagon Trail to Bridge Creek
POITrail through cedar groves and open forest to historic Bridge Creek Camp.
Purple Creek Trail
POIA steep trail provides access to sweeping views at Purple Pass, Boulder Butte, and Lake Juanita.
Pyramid Lake Trail
POIHike through the forest to a small mountain lake. 4.2 miles roundtrip.
Rainbow Falls, North Cascades
POIA 312-foot tall waterfall, located right off the Stehekin Valley Road.
Rainbow Loop Trail
POIRainbow Loop Trail can be walked in either direction or as an up-and-back moderate hike to views of Lake Chelan.
River Loop Trail
POIEnjoy a short, peaceful forest hike with river views. 1.8 miles roundtrip.
Ross Dam Trail
POIHike this moderate trail to walk across historic Ross Dam. Option for a longer hike or backpack along Ross Lake. 1.5 miles roundtrip.
Ross Lake Resort
POIAn authorized concessionaire with the NPS, offering cabin rentals, boat and paddle equipment rentals, portage service, and water taxi service.
Sourdough Mountain
POIA difficult trail with spectacular views of peaks and lakes. 10.4 miles roundtrip.
Stehekin River Trail
POIThe Stehekin Trail is a relatively flat hike through a forest with views of the river, Rainbow Falls, and surrounding mountains.
Thornton Lake Trail
POIEnjoy views of high mountain lakes and nearby peaks on this full day hike or overnight backpacking trip. 10.4 miles roundtrip.
Thunder Creek Trail
POIHike an easy trail through old-growth forest to a bridge. 4 miles roundtrip.
Thunder Knob Trail
POIHike a popular Trail to a stunning view of Diablo Lake. 3.6 miles roundtrip.
Trail of the Obelisk
POIEnjoy a short loop trail near the international boundary.
Things to do
Day Hiking in North Cascades
Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.
Fishing in the North Cascades
Fishing is popular in many lakes and rivers of the North Cascades.
Motorboating in the North Cascades
Motorboating is a popular activity on Gorge, Diablo, and Ross lakes, and Lake Chelan.
Paddling in the North Cascades
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular on the lakes of the North Cascades.
Plan a Backcountry Trip
Backcountry camping in the North Cascades can be an exciting adventure for prepared hikers.
Duration: 2-14 Days
Rafting in the North Cascades
The Skagit and Stehekin rivers attract many whitewater enthusiasts for rafting and kayaking, especially during the summer months.
Visitor centers
Forest Info Center with HQ Administration Building
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex Headquarters (Administrative Offices) is five miles east of I-5 in Burlington and 46 miles west of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex boundary.
Get directionsGolden West Visitor Center
Visitor Center located short walk from the passenger ferry landing at Stehekin Landing inside what was the historic Golden West Lodge.
Get directionsNorth Cascades Visitor Center
Location: Across the Skagit River from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near milepost 120 and the town of Newhalem. Adjacent to Newhalem Creek Campground. Exhibits: Relief map of the park and surrounding area, exhibit room featuring multimedia exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history. Available Facilities: Theater featuring large format slide program and video presentation. Several short, accessible interpretive trails and restrooms. Information desk. Bookstore.
Get directionsWilderness Information Center
The Wilderness Information Center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnights in the park year-round and are available at an outdoor self-issue station when the center is closed during the winter season. Information desk. Sales area with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and adjacent national forests.
Get directions
Hours of operation
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
Activities
Weather
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near North Cascades National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.
Source: nps.gov