North Cascades National Park
Washington
North Cascades isn’t just a park — it’s a wilderness kingdom. This sprawling complex includes Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, protecting some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in the U.S. Think jagged peaks, glaciers, and valleys so wild they still feel untouched.
Wildlife thrives here: Chinook and sockeye salmon run the rivers, bald eagles and ospreys circle overhead, and if you’re lucky (or cautious), you might spot grizzly bears, mountain lions, or mountain goats clinging to the cliffs. Add in otters and black-tailed deer, and you’ve got a full wilderness cast. The sheer scale and ruggedness of this place makes every hike, paddle, or drive a challenge — and an unforgettable experience.
Stay the night:
Camping: Five car campgrounds (reservations at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777).
On the Water: Ross Lake Resort (only accessible by boat — rustic floating cabins with epic sunrise views).
Stehekin Adventures: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin (stehekinlanding.com), Silver Bay Inn (silverbayinn.com), or the family-style Stehekin Valley Ranch (stehekinvalleyranch.com) tucked deep in the valley.
Near the Park: North Cascades Inn (West Gateway-Marblemount), Kulshan & Three Rivers (West Gateway Sedro-Wooley) Inn at Mazama Ranch House, Freestone Inn, Rolling Huts (East Gateway-Mazama) Sun Mountain Lodge, River Run Inn, Sun Mountain Resort (East Gateway comfort - Winthrop)
North Cascades isn’t a “drive-thru” park. It’s raw, remote, and real — best experienced slowly, whether you’re paddling across Ross Lake, hiking the backcountry, or just breathing in alpine silence.
