North Cascade National Park is home to pristine alpine lakes, snowcapped mountains, and roughly 300 glaciers. While the park is only 2 and a half hours from Seattle and one and hours from Bellingham, it feels world aways. The enchanting landscape that makes up North Cascades is bisected by the Ross Lake Recreation area, which offers access to three mountain lakes along the Skagit River. As the most glaciated area in the continental United States, North Cascades is an adventurers’ paradise, offering backpacking, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and so much more. If you’re considering heading north for the summer to explore one of Washington’s most surreal landscapes, continue reading below for The CampNCar Guide to North Cascades National Park.
Camping in North Cascades National Park
Between the national park and the nearby Ross Lake Recreation area, there’s plenty of camping to be had in North Cascades, including several free, dispersed camping options perfectly suited for van and car camping.
Newhalem Creek Campground
Located near Newhalem along the North Cascades Highway, this Cascades campground features 111 sites including tent and RV sites. The campground offers flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates, and can accommodate van camping. Reservations are available for some sites from May to September, while others are first-come, first-served. Nearby trails include the easy 1.8-mile River Loop Trail, which follows the Skagit River, and the 0.3-mile Trail of the Cedars, an interpretive trail through old-growth forest.
Goodell Creek Campground
Situated along the Skagit River near Newhalem, Goodell Creek Campground offers an intimate camping experience with 19 tent-only sites. The campground has vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While primarily for tent camping, a compact van should blend right in. This campsite offers access to trails such as the moderate 4-mile Newhalem Creek Trail and the easy 0.4-mile Ladder Creek Falls trail to a beautiful waterfall.
Colonial Creek Campground
Colonial Creek Campground is just a stone’s throw from the listening Diablo Lake and offers 142 sites, including tent and RV sites, and is ideal for van camping. This campground features flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire grates, and a boat launch. Reservations are available for some sites from May to September, while others are first-come, first-served. Nearby trails include the moderate 3.6-mile Thunder Knob Trail, offering panoramic views of Diablo Lake, the moderate 12.4-mile Thunder Creek Trail, and the strenuous 8.8-mile Fourth of July Pass Trail.
Adventuring in North Cascades National Park
There’s no shortage of adventure in North Cascades National Park, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite hikes to keep you busy during your visit.
Thornton Lakes Trail
This strenuous hike covers 9 miles there and back and climbs roughly 3,000 feet to one of the park’s most picturesque alpine lakes. If you plan on backpacking, be sure to register with the park before camping overnight.
Thunder Knob Trail
Thunder Knob Trail is a relatively easy 3.4-mile out-and-back hike with only 675 feet of elevation gain. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with views of an electric blue alpine lake that has to be seen to be believed.
Desolation Peak Trail via Ross Lake
Bookworms will jump at this strenuous trail that climbs over 4,500 feet over 8.7 miles. In 1965, Jack Kerouac manned the fire tower at Desolation Peak, and his time there inspired his novel “Desolation Angels.” Once you summit, you’ll see why Kerouac was moved to put pen to paper.
Where to Eat in North Cascades National Park
While nothing beats enjoying a well-prepared meal in nature, sometimes it’s nice to have someone else do the cooking. While North Cascades National Park is remote, there are a handful of dining options for those looking to fuel up for a day in the mountains. The Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is the perfect spot to refuel with views of Lake Chelan. For a morning coffee and sweet treats, head to the Stehekin Pastry Company. If you’re looking for a more gourmet experience, the Sun Mountain Lodge Restaurant in the Methow Valley offers a refined dining experience featuring a diverse menu and an impressive wine selection to complement any visit.
If the allure of the Cascades is too much to bear, pack your bags and hit the road to visit one of the nation’s most unique and captivating landscapes. Stay tuned to the Camp N Car blog for more travel guides and road trip inspiration.