North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park Turns the Big 4-0
August 4, 2008, 7:56 pm
It’s difficult to describe the majesty of North Cascades National Park. Words like magnificent, vast and rugged only hint at the awesome nature of this portion of the expansive Cascade Range.
Believe it or not, this pristine wilderness, spotted with archeological sites and ancient fossil remains, is one of America’s least-visited national parks!
The park is tucked away in the northwest corner of Washington State and comprised of one national park and two national recreation areas. Together, these three – North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area – form the core of one of the largest and wildest wilderness areas in the contiguous United States.
In addition to its stunning natural splendor, the park complex offers a variety of recreational opportunities within its 684,000 acres, including nearly 400 miles of hiking trails, turquoise lakes ideal for boating, world-class mountains for the serious climber, cross-country ski trails, hundreds of back-country ski trails and campsites, rivers teeming with fish for anglers as well as a variety of ranger programs.
The Cascade Pass, once used as a travel route by Native Americans, is one of the park’s most sought-out spots and can be accessed by a four-mile trail. Climbers seek out the North and South Picket Ranges, along with El Dorado Peak and the surrounding mountains, due to their glacial formations and technical rock. Photographers head to Mount Shuksan, one of the most photographed mountains in the country and the second highest peak in the park.
August is the perfect time to visit the Cascades. Not only is the weather exceptional, but later this year the park will celebrate its fortieth anniversary! In celebration, the Northwest Regional Office of NPCA invites park-goers to explore what makes the North Cascades so special. Join them for ranger-led hikes and discussions. Advance registration is required, so please call Dave Patton at 206-903-1444 x22 or send him an email dpatton@npca.org to reserve a spot.
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North Cascades In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
