Photo: NPS Photo/D.Dixon
Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons.
Weather now60°F Overcast
Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers.
Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate.
Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.
Fire restrictions remain in effect for Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the area of North Cascades National Park located in Chelan County. This includes all National Park Service lands south and east of Cascade Pass, Park Creek Pass, and Rainy Pass as well as the entire Stehekin Valley.
Smoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
Until further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.
For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
Chelan County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 Fire Advisory (Get Ready) for areas in Stehekin, Stehekin Valley Road from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge, including Company Creek Road and side roads. Visitors should be aware there is a wildfire in the area. There are park closures in effect. For park closures visit the Fire Closures page. Stehekin businesses are open and continue to welcome visitors outside of the closure areas.
The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area
Due to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.
Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.
Visitor and recreational opportunities continue to be available in the Stehekin Valley. Some services are limited at the Stehekin Landing following flood damage in December 2025.
29 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
9 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Reservable Campground
Colonial Creek North Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Colonial Creek North Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year.
Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Colonial Creek North Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance.
Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground.
Colonial Creek North Campground may be open as first-come, first-served after the peak season until the campground closes for the year, typically in mid to late September.
The campground is remote, yet bustling and is nestled in old-growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near milepost 130, there are 37 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake.
Colonial Creek North Campground can accommodate a variety of camping, whether it’s drive-in camping, or walk-in tent camping. The campsites vary in size from small to medium. Most of the campsites do not accommodate large trailers or RVs.
Recreation
Campers can access several trails from within the facility, such as Thunder Knob Trail located in the North Loop and Thunder Creek Trail from the South Loop.
Fishing is allowed in Diablo Lake with a Washington State Fishing license, the closest location to purchase a license in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
The campground is located on the northern side of State Route 20. The entire facility offers drinking water, flush toilets, garbage and recycling, and some paved parking spaces, but most sites have uneven gravel parking. Each campsite offers a picnic table, bear box, and campfire ring. An RV dump station is located in the South Loop.
Natural Features
Colonial Creek North Campground is forested with western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red huckleberries, and other native vegetation. The campground has easy access to Diablo Lake for recreating.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.Nearby Attractions
Traveling west on State Route 20:
The North Cascades Visitor Center is 11 miles (18 km) west on State Route 20 from Colonial Creek North Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibit, park film, park store, and much more.
Traveling east on State Route 20:
Diablo Lake Overlook is 1.5 miles (2 km) east on State Route 20, the turquoise lake can be viewed safely from this area and there is ample day use parking and vault toilets.
Ross Lake Overlook is 5 miles (8 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive displays and with views of the Ross Dam and Ross Lake.
Reservable Campground
Colonial Creek South Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Colonial Creek South Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year.
Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Colonial Creek South Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance.
Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground.
Colonial Creek South Campground may be open as first-come, first-served after the peak season until most of the campground closes for the year, typically in mid to late September.
Ten walk-in, tent-only campsites (#64 - #73) are open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year.
The campground is remote, yet bustling and is nestled in old-growth forest. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near milepost 130, there are 93 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake.
Colonial Creek South Campground can accommodate a variety of camping, whether it’s drive-in camping, or walk-in tent camping. The campsites vary in size from small to medium. Most of the campsites do not accommodate large trailers or RVs.
Recreation
Campers can access the Thunder Creek Trailhead from the South Loop. The Thunder Knob Trailhead is on the north loop across State Route 20.
Fishing is allowed in Diablo Lake with a Washington State Fishing license, the nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
The campground is located on the southern side of State Route 20, with some campsites along the lakefront of Diablo Lake. The entire facility offers drinking water, flush toilets, garbage and recycling, RV dump station, and some paved parking spaces, but most sites have uneven gravel parking. Each campsite offers a picnic table, bear box, and campfire ring.
Natural Features
Colonial Creek South Campground is surrounded by a forest of western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red huckleberries, and other native vegetation. The campground has easy access to Diablo Lake for recreating.
Nearby Attractions
Traveling west on State Route 20:
The North Cascades Visitor Center is 11 miles (18 km) west on State Route 20 from Colonial Creek South Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more.
Traveling east on State Route 20:
Diablo Lake Overlook is 1.5 miles (2 km) east on State Route 20. the turquoise lake can be viewed safely from this area and there is ample day use parking and vault toilets.
Ross Lake Overlook is 5 miles (8 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and Ross Lake.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Reservable Campground
Goodell Creek Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows: To…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Goodell Creek Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year.
Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Goodell Creek Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance.
Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground.
Goodell Creek Campground is open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year.
The campground is a small, yet comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem along the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has 19 individual campsites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are close by.
Recreation
Campers can walk to several of Newhalem's hiking trails from the connecting trail to the Newhalem Campground. The creek and river are popular for fishing, and boating access is available from the raft launch at the campground.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
The campground is set along the Skagit River. The entire facility offers drinking water, vault toilets, trash and recycling, and paved roads. Each campsite includes a bear box for food storage, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
Natural Features
The campground has a shaded forested canopy with western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, wild red huckleberries, and other native shrubs. Nearby is Newhalem Creek and the Skagit River. The river is the largest river that flows into the Puget Sound area and provides critical habitat for all species of Pacific salmon. The river drains cold, clean glacial meltwater from the mountains of British Columbia and northern Washington. Bald eagles return to its shores every winter.
Nearby Attractions
The North Cascades Visitor Center is nearby and operates seasonally, typically from May to September. Visitors can find the passport stamp, exhibits, park film, gift store, and much more. The town of Newhalem is a short walk from the campsites, there visitors will find a general store and information center operated by Seattle City Light.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Reservable Campground
Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not accommodate large RVs or trailers. There is an accessible boat ramp at the lower end of the campground.
Recreation
The campground has an accessible boat launch and small dock. This boat launch is not recommended for large powerboats. Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small power boats. Practice boating safety while on the water.
Fishing is allowed in Gorge Lake with a Washington State Fishing license. The nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.
Hiking and other recreation opportunities can be found across the park.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
Primitive camp with no water or services. Bring water and pack out all trash. Vault toilets. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and some sites have tent pads.
Natural Features
Gorge Lake Campground is a minimally forested campground with surrounding views of the Gorge Lake. At an elevation of 900’ this campground experiences bouts of powerful winds from the Fraser Valley Outflow.
Nearby Attractions
Traveling west on State Route 20:
The North Cascades Visitor Center is 7.5 miles (12 km) west on State Route 20 from Gorge Lake Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more.
Traveling east on State Route 20:
Diablo Lake Overlook is 6.5 miles (10 km) east on State Route 20. There is ample day use parking and vault toilets.
Ross Lake Overlook is 10 miles (16 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and the Ross Lake.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Reservable Campground
Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley. Harlequin Camp is located along the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles up…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley. Harlequin Camp is located along the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing and approximately 6.5 miles from High Bridge.
Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. There is some shared parking at the campground for a limited number of vehicles but all sites are considered walk-in.
Recreation
Visitors can access several trails from the campground area, such as the Stehekin River Trail, Company Creek Trail, and Rainbow Loop. Many of these trails also lead to other backcountry trails and the opportunity for longer wilderness backpacks. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry.
Other trails along the Stehekin Valley Road can be reached by foot, bike, or shuttle bus. Visitors can boat, fish, and swim (although the water is a chilly 45 degrees) in Lake Chelan or the Stehekin River. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping.
Facilities
Harlequin has pit toilets and garbage containers, though all trash must be eventually barged downlake and visitors are encouraged to pack out everything they pack in. The campground has no running water; plan on boiling or filtering water from the Stehekin River or bringing what you need. Each campsite offers a picnic table and fires are allowed in designated fire pits. Most sites are large, with space to arrange multiple tents (no specific tent pads).
There are no roads or car access into Stehekin. Accessible by foot, boat or plane only. Visitors may take a passenger ferry or their own boat, which may be parked at the public docks in Stehekin with the purchase of a federal dock permit. (4.5 miles from Harlequin).
At the Stehekin Landing area, the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has a small store with very limited groceries and a restaurant. Public showers and laundry facilities are located near the Landing, but not in the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.Nearby Attractions
Stehekin is a gateway into the east side of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Many short to multi-day backpacking trips begin in the Stehekin area. Other attractions in the area are the historic Buckner Orchard, where visitors can pick apples in the fall, and Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot waterfall near the Stehekin Valley Road.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come…
Reservable Campground
Lower Goodell Group Campground requires reservations when the campground is open from late May to early September each year. Reservations can be made 12 months in…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: There is no discount for group campsites.
Overview
Lower Goodell Group Campground requires reservations when the campground is open from late May to early September each year. Reservations can be made 12 months in advance.
Lower Goodell Group Campground is comprised of 2 group sites, each with 5 individual areas for tents or small RVs, near the town of Newhalem, along the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forest and is situated on the banks of Goodell Creek. It is private and secluded, yet the town of Newhalem, North Cascades Visitor Center, additional campgrounds, and other amenities are close by.
Recreation
Multiple recreation opportunities for campers including hiking, fishing and rafting are a short drive or walk away. Short hiking trails can be found at Newhalem Creek Campground. Fishing and rafting access for the Skagit River are available at Goodell Creek Campground.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
The campground has 2 group sites, which can each comfortably fit 12 to 20 people each; the capacity is 50 per site. Within each site there are cleared areas for tents or small RVs. Each cleared area has a bear box for food storage. Both sites have a picnic shelter, vault toilet and trash can. There is no potable water. Water is available at the main Goodell Creek campground on the south side of State Route 20.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of Goodell Creek and has a shaded forested canopy with western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, wild red huckleberries, and other native shrubs. Nearby is Newhalem Creek and the Skagit River. The river is the largest river that flows into the Puget Sound area and provides critical habitat for all species of Pacific salmon. The river drains cold, clean glacial meltwater from the mountains of British Columbia and northern Washington. Bald eagles return to its shores every winter.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.Nearby Attractions
The North Cascades Visitor Center is nearby and operates seasonally, typically from late May to September. Visitors can find the passport stamp, exhibits, park film, gift store, and much more. The town of Newhalem is a short walk from the campsites, there visitors will find a general store and information center operated by Seattle City Light.
Reservable Campground
Newhalem Creek Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows: To…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: There is no discount for group campsites.
Overview
Newhalem Creek Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year.
Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Newhalem Creek Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance.
Group sites remain on the same booking window and are available 12 months in advance.
Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground.
Newhalem Creek Campground may be open on as first-come, first-served after the peak season ends until the campground closes for the year, typically in mid to late September.
The campground consists of 107 individual campsites in loops A, B, and C, an additional loop with 2 group campsites, and 4 drive-in picnic sites. The campground can accommodate a variety of camping, whether it is drive-to or walk-in tent camping or sites that accommodate RV camping.
The North Cascades Visitor Center is a half mile by trail or road and operates seasonally, typically from May to September. The campground is surrounded by forested short, informative hikes that connect to the town of Newhalem.
Recreation
Campers can enjoy easy access to several of the Newhalem area hiking trails and connect to the town of Newhalem, Washington.
Fishing is allowed in the Skagit River with a Washington State Fishing license. The nearest location to purchase a license is outside of the park in the town of Marblemount. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.
Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.
Facilities
Newhalem Creek Campground has accessible facilities that provide flush toilets, drinking water, dump station, trash/recycling, paved roads, and campsite driveways.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and most sites have tent pads.
Natural Features
Newhalem Creek Campground is a forested campground surrounded by western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red huckleberries, and other native vegetation. Nearby is Newhalem Creek and the Skagit River. The river is the largest river that flows into the Puget Sound area and provides critical habitat for all species of Pacific salmon which return to the river seasonally. There are salmon-viewing areas along the River Loop Trail and in the town of Newhalem.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.Nearby Attractions
The North Cascades Visitor Center is one-half mile (1 km) away and operates seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more.
The campground is surrounded by forested short, informative hikes that connect to the North Cascades Visitor Center and the town of Newhalem, Washington, one mile (2 km) east.
Reservable Campground
Upper Goodell Group Campground is a quiet, remote facility for tent camping on the banks of Goodell Creek in North Cascades National Park. The campground is the perfect…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: There is no discount for group campsites.
Overview
Upper Goodell Group Campground is a quiet, remote facility for tent camping on the banks of Goodell Creek in North Cascades National Park. The campground is the perfect place to relax while watching the rushing creek cascade over its rocky course.Recreation
Nature abounds in the Goodell Gorge, where visitors enjoy exploring the scenery, viewing wildlife and birding. Black bears inhabit the area, so caution must be taken while hiking, picnicking or camping. Many miles of hiking trails are within a short drive. The creek and nearby Skagit River offer fishing for trout, salmon and steelhead. There is no boating or swimming at the site.Facilities
The facility has a picnic shelter and pit toilet for visitors' convenience. No potable water. Water is available at the main Goodell Creek campground on the south side of State Route 20.
The campground has one group site, which can comfortably fit 12 to 20 people with a maximum capacity of 30.
Natural Features
The site lies among lush ancient forests of western redcedar, western hemlock and Douglas-fir trees. The creek's headwaters begin in the surrounding mountains, pick up cold, clean glacial meltwater along the way, and eventually empty into the Skagit River. The creek provides a sampling of the colorful crystalline rocks of the North Cascade Core, which formed deep underground and is now revealed in the rugged terrain of the North Cascade Range.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.Nearby Attractions
The campground is a short drive or a long walk to the visitor center, and the nearest store is in Newhalem.Find permits and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex Headquarters (Administrative Offices) is five miles east of I-5 in Burlington and 46 miles west of the North Cascades…
810 State Route 20 (Moore Street), Sedro-Woolley, WA (360) 854-7200 Directions
Facility
Visitor Center located short walk from the passenger ferry landing at Stehekin Landing inside what was the historic Golden West Lodge.
Sedro-Woolley, WA Directions
Facility
Location: Across the Skagit River from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near milepost 120 and the town of Newhalem. Adjacent to Newhalem Creek Campground…
Sedro-Woolley, WA (360) 854-7200 Directions
Facility
The Wilderness Information Center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation…
7280 Ranger Station Rd., Marblemount, WA (360) 854-7245 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · North Cascades National Park Service Complex
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.
No entrance fees listed.
64° 48°
53° 44°
63° 45°
Updated 3 hr ago
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.
Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington.
From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.
Mailing address: 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
