ADDRESS
North Cascades NPS Complex
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Web site: www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
E-mail: NOCA_Interpretation@nps.gov

TELEPHONE
(360) 856-5700

Directions

Access to the North Cascades and Ross Lake area is from I-5 at Burlington, west of the mountains, and from Twisp on the east, following Washington State Route 20 with branch routes to Baker Lake and the Cascade River.

The only road access to the shore of Ross Lake is via the Silver-Skagit Road (gravel) from near Hope, British Columbia.

Hiking access and roadside views of the northwest corner of the park are available from SR 542, east from Bellingham. (Note: All access roads that lead into the national park itself are gravel roads.)

The main access to Stehekin in the Lake Chelan NRA is by floatplane from the town of Chelan on Hwy. 97, by boat (Lake Chelan Boat Company) from Chelan or Field's Point (17 miles north of Chelan), by air (Chelan Airways). There is no road access into Stehekin or any other part of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. (Note: During summer months visitors can reach this area via hiking trails.)

Two roads, both gravel, enter North Cascades National Park: the Cascade River Road from Marblemount and the Stehekin Valley Road. Note that the latter does not connect to any roads outside the Stehekin Valley.

Visitor Centers

The North Cascades Visitor Center is located near Newhalem (milepost 120 on State Route 20) in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

The Golden West Visitor Center is located at Stehekin Landing in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

To reach the North Cascades, drive Washington State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, from Burlington on the west and Twisp on the east. Vehicle access to Ross Lake is by unimproved road from Canada only. Stehekin is reached only by boat, floatplane from Chelan, or by trail; there is no vehicle access (our kind of place!)

Stehekin Transportation Services

Most people travel to Stehekin by cruising up 55-mile long Lake Chelan. The Lake Chelan Boat Company operates year-round, daily, spring to fall.

The 23-mile Stehekin Valley Road is paved for four miles from Stehekin Landing and becomes gravel at Harlequin Bridge. Along the way are many views of the Stehekin River, glacier-clad jagged peaks, and dense coniferous forests.

Transportation is offered along the road for your enjoyment and convenience. Drivers provide a narrated tour along the way, as well as camping and hiking information. You may get on or off the buses at any location. A wheelchair lift and infant seats are available on the NPS bus with advance arrangements.

Hikers & stock users are encouraged to use the Old Wagon Trail. Bicyclists, motorbikes and motorcycles can continue traveling up the road as far as snow and road conditions permit but may experience delays. Road crews will continue road repairs below Flat Creek and hope to have them completed by fall.

Above Flat Creek, a channel of the river now flows down the road for approximately 3000'. The road will, therefore, remain closed above Flat Creek until conditions change and the road can be repaired. A trail has been established and will be maintained paralleling this section of road. Hikers and stock users will be able to use this trail. Bicycles are allowed, but not recommended. Ask a ranger about latest conditions on the road.

Transport Options

Bicycles rentals:

Discovery Bikes, 1/8 mile north of the landing at the Courtney Log Office.

North Cascades Stehekin Lodge, at the landing.

Taxi Service: Available from the North Cascades Stehekin Lodge.

NPS Shuttle Bus (see note below)