This large, 504,781-acre/204,278-hectare park in the northern part of Washington state includes deep coniferous forests, alpine meadows and hundreds of glaciers. Mule deer, mountain goats and black bears freely roam the area. This rugged and varied wilderness is not as well-known as other national parks, but North Cascades is one of the best attractions in the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors can stop at the park headquarters in Sedro-Woolley for information about hiking trails and things to do. Highlights include the Cascade Pass, Rainbow Loop and Pyramid Lake trails. Activities include camping, picnicking (the Cascade Valley is especially pretty), mountain climbing, horseback riding, and boating and fishing in Ross Lake or Lake Chelan. Highway 20 is the main access route, but snow often closes it in winter.
The park is open daily 24 hours, but some areas close in winter. There is no entrance fee. Phone 360-854-7200. https://www.nps.gov/noca.
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