North Cascades National Park is located at the northern edge of Washington, with the northern border of the park also being the US-Canadian border. The park is known for peaks and valleys that range about 9,000 vertical feet. North Cascades has one third of all glaciers in the lower 48 states. The park is untamed alpine wilderness that draws outdoors enthusiasts from across North America.
One could spend a lifetime exploring the trails of the park. Some prefer to explore nearly-untouched trails where you won’t see another person. Others prefer the tried-and-true routes that the guidebooks recommend. The most notable routes include Cascade Pass, Ladder Creek Falls, and Maple Pass Loop.
This isn’t one of those parks that you see in a day. For those who really want to explore the park, camping is the best way to extend the trip. There are several camp areas, some require advanced booking and others are first come / first serve (they fill up very quickly). The camping is mostly near lakes and surrounded by peaks.
Stehekin has a population of only 95 full-time residents. The area feels like a leap back in time about 150 years. The Stehekin Valley is a passageway between the wilderness and the Cascade peaks. Stehekin is a beautiful spot for hiking and camping. What it has in beauty, it lacks in accessibility. The only way to reach the area is by boat, seaplane, or on foot.
Very few people visit the area in the winter. The park gets pounded with snow and there isn't much of anything to do that isn't outside.
May can be a good time to visit as the weather continues to dry (compared to the wet winter). Temps vary greatly depending on elevation. The further east you go in the park, the dryer it generally is.
Summer is the best time to go. Depending on the elevation, the weather can vary greatly, with lower elevations getting into the 80s. Summer is the dry season.
The park gets an early winter that begins to force its way in by mid-October. September is still a decent time to visit.