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
Zion Shuttle Program Will Need Additional Money
December 2, 2008 - 12:03pm
On a busy summer day in Zion National Park, 16 propane-powered shuttle buses do the work that 5,000 cars once did. The shift to shuttle-only traffic through the heart of the park eight years ago is praised by park officials and locals for its role in cutting congestion, pollution and visitor frustration.
December 2, 2008 - 12:03pm
On a busy summer day in Zion National Park, 16 propane-powered shuttle buses do the work that 5,000 cars once did. The shift to shuttle-only traffic through the heart of the park eight years ago is praised by park officials and locals for its role in cutting congestion, pollution and visitor frustration.
Whiskeytown Looking for a Few Good Artists
December 2, 2008 - 12:01pm
Sheila Edridge is looking for a few good artists. She's coordinator of the park's artist in residency program, which every year brings artists from around the country to live at the park, using the setting to inspire their work.
December 2, 2008 - 12:01pm
Sheila Edridge is looking for a few good artists. She's coordinator of the park's artist in residency program, which every year brings artists from around the country to live at the park, using the setting to inspire their work.
Feds: Prairie Dog No Barrier to Drilling on Refuge
December 2, 2008 - 11:50am
Federal officials say energy exploration on a southern Colorado wildlife refuge won't have significant environmental effects, despite the presence of a prairie dog deemed eligible for federal protection.
December 2, 2008 - 11:50am
Federal officials say energy exploration on a southern Colorado wildlife refuge won't have significant environmental effects, despite the presence of a prairie dog deemed eligible for federal protection.
Local Impacts of Park’s Winter Plan Unclear
December 2, 2008 - 11:47am
The east gate to Yellowstone National Park opens in three weeks, and there will be snowmobiles. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.
December 2, 2008 - 11:47am
The east gate to Yellowstone National Park opens in three weeks, and there will be snowmobiles. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.
Hiker Who Died in Zion National Park Identified
December 2, 2008 - 11:45am
The University of Utah says a hiker who died in Zion National Park over the weekend was the director of the school's Office of Sustainability. Craig Forster also was on the faculty of the College of Architecture + Planning for the last five years.
December 2, 2008 - 11:45am
The University of Utah says a hiker who died in Zion National Park over the weekend was the director of the school's Office of Sustainability. Craig Forster also was on the faculty of the College of Architecture + Planning for the last five years.
