North Cascades National Park Service Complex

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North Cascades National Park Service Complex

North Cascades National Park Service Complex protects 750 square miles of jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers.
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Communication made through this service’s e-mail and/or messaging system will in no way constitute a legal or official notice or comment to the U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) or any official or employee of the U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) for any purpose. References to commercial entities, products, services, or nongovernmental organizations or individuals are provided solely for information. These references are not intended to reflect the opinion of U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau), the United States Government, or its officers or employees concerning the significance, priority, or importance to be given the referenced entity, product, service, or organization. Such references are not an official or personal endorsement of any product, person, or service and may not be quoted or reproduced for the purpose of stating or implying U.S. Department of the Interior (or bureau) endorsement or approval of any product, person, or service. Reporters or other media representatives are asked to send questions through their normal channels (the appropriate DOI/bureau office public affairs or communications office) and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions may be removed. This Comment Policy is subject to amendment or modification at any time to ensure that its continued use is consistent with its intended purpose as a limited forum. For official information about the U.S. National Park Service, please visit http://www.nps.gov/.

05/28/2026

Sourdough Mountain Trail and Gorge Lake Campground are now open following the 2023 Sourdough Fire! Gorge Lake Campground is open for reservation on recreation.gov for front-country camping. The Sourdough Mountain Trail is now open all the way to the lookout, including Sourdough camp. Trail crew has not yet cleared the trail of down trees, and the camp is still likely covered in snow. Be prepared for snow above 4,800 feet. Sourdough Camp backcountry permits are available through a walk-up permit the day of, or the day before, the start of a trip. Permits can be picked up at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or via email.

Long-term fire closures remain for Stetattle Creek Trail. For more information on long-term fire closures visit https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm.

A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or are increased by the effects of the fire. In some cases, these hazardous conditions may continue for several years after a fire. While efforts have been taken to reduce hazards, all hikers should use caution when recreating in a burned landscape.

Check https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/post-fire-safety.htm for more information on post fire safety information.

05/27/2026

Attention Cascade River Road users: Skagit River Marblemount Bridge will be closed for repairs June 1-19, Monday-Friday, 8 pm-4 am. There is no access to Cascade River Road during the nighttime closure.

During the closure June 1-19, visitors seeking permits for trips starting on Cascade River Road must come in person to the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount the day of or day before they start their trip. Check https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/hours.htm for current Operating Hours & Seasons.

Bear canisters are required for most backcountry areas accessed from Cascade River Road. Permit holders can borrow bear canisters for free at the Wilderness Information Center.

For more information on the project and closure visit the Skagit County webpage, https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksEngineering/marblemount-bridge.htm

Photo courtesy of Skagit County

05/17/2026

The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem and campgrounds along State Route 20 are open for the season tomorrow!

Campgrounds are reservable on Recreation.gov either 6 months or 7 days in advance, with unreserved sites available first-come, first-served.

The visitor center is open 9 am to 5 pm daily through September. Stop by the exhibits, watch the park film, and talk with a ranger!

Check https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/hours.htm for more information on operating hours.

05/15/2026

Seeing a bear is a memorable experience, but your safety greatly depends on your actions. Bears are wild animals, and public lands are their home. Remember the following while recreating in bear country:

Bears are active now. Spring and early summer bring increased bear movement as bears search for food, move through habitat and, in some areas, protect cubs.

Bear safety protects people and bears. Unattended human food, waste, and scented items can attract bears. Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store, or transport food unattended.

Report when you see bears. Help us keep people and wildlife safe by reporting sightings and encounters at a visitor contact station.

For more information on wildlife safety, visit https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/wildlife-safety.htm.

NPS Photo

05/14/2026

The Wilderness Information Center is open for the season starting tomorrow, May 15! The center will be open 7 days a week, 7-11:30 am and 12:30-4 pm.

Learn more about the Backcountry Permit process at https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm

05/07/2026

News Release: Services Limited at Stehekin Landing Following Winter Flood Damage

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex today announced summer 2026 operations at Stehekin Landing will be limited following historic flooding in December that left the area’s wastewater treatment plant inoperable.

As a result, North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin will not offer public services this season, including lodging, food service, retail, fuel, laundry, or showers. Postal service, ferry service, and private shuttle and tour operators will continue to operate. Lakeview and Purple Point Campgrounds will remain open, first-come, first-served and free of charge.

For more information and the full news release visit https://go.nps.gov/stehservicesupdate

NPS / BRYANNA PLOG

05/06/2026

Want to camp in the park but weren't able to make a reservation 6 months in advance?

We have good news for you! A portion of sites in Goodell Creek, Newhalem Creek and Colonial Creek Campgrounds are available to reserve 7 days in advance.

Reservations will start being released at 7am on May 11 and then on a rolling basis until August 30 since reservations are no longer required after September 6. All campsite reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Need more information? Visit https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm

04/28/2026

The North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits General On-Sale opens tomorrow April 29 at 7 am Pacific Time! Users can see campsite availability and make reservations for trips occurring between May 15 and October 10 at Recreation.gov.

If you want to make reservations for a backcountry trip, have your camps (and some backups) planned out before you log in to Recreation.gov and book your trip. Reservations for the entire summer can be booked up to two days before the start date of a trip; permits must then be picked up through the Wilderness Information Center.

About 40% of backcountry camp spots are held for walk-up permits and can be picked up the day of or day before you start your trip.

FAQs and more information can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/backcountry-reservations.htm

NPS Photo

04/24/2026

Did you know that pets are allowed in many areas within North Cascades National Park Service Complex?

People are often surprised to know where their pets can go. The complex is made up of one national park and two national recreation areas. Pets are allowed within Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, including on trails and in campgrounds. However, pets must be on a leash or confined at all times.

Pets are not allowed within North Cascades National Park, such as trails and backcountry campsites like Cascade Pass or Copper Ridge. The exception to this rule is that pets ARE allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Check out https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/pets.htm for more information on pet-friendly trails, as well as how to become a BARK ranger.

04/16/2026

Although the days are getting warmer, temperature in the lakes and rivers are usually around 40°F (10°C), which is about as cold as your fridge. Cold-water immersion will cause hypothermia followed by unconsciousness, and you can't swim very well if you are unconscious. Know the forecast and have a plan for self-rescue. Wear a properly fitting life jacket - it can save your life!

Check https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/boating-and-fishing.htm for more information on staying safe in North Cascades.

Address

810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA
98284

Telephone

+13608547200

Website

http://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

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