Park Essentials

Accessibility

All visitor centers along North Cascades Highway are accessible by wheelchair. Accessible hikes include Sterling Munro, Skagit River Loop, and Rock Shelter, three short trails into lowland old-growth forest, all at mile 120 along Route 20 near Newhalem; and the Happy Creek Forest Trail at mile 134.

Admission Fees and Permits

A Northwest Forest Pass, required for use of various park and forest facilities and trails, is $5 per vehicle for one calendar day or $30 for one year. A free wilderness permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry; these are available in person only. Dock permits for boat-in campgrounds are also $5 per day. Passes and permits are sold at visitor centers and ranger stations around the park area.

Admission Hours

The park never closes, but access is limited by snow in winter. Route 20 (North Cascades Highway), the major access to the park, is partially closed from mid-November to mid-April.

ATMs/Banks

There are no ATMs in the park. Marblemount, Winthrop, and Chelan have banks with 24-hour ATMs.

Cell-Phone Reception

Cell-phone reception in the park is not reliable. Public telephones are found at the North Cascades Visitor Center and Skagit Information Center in Newhalem; and at the Golden West Visitor Center and North Cascades Stehekin Lodge in Stehekin.

Emergencies

Dial 911 for all emergencies.

Park Contact Information

North Cascades National Park (810 Rte. 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA, 98284. 360/856-5700 or 360/854-7200. www.nps.gov/noca.)