North Cascades

https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Cascades_National_Park North Cascades National Park is in northern Washington State. It’s a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers and lakes. The North Cascades Highway passes viewpoints and leads to trails such as the steep Thunder Creek Trail. Boats dot Ross Lake. The remote community of Stehekin lies at the northern tip of deep Lake Chelan. The park shelters grizzly bears and gray wolves, plus more than 200 bird species. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. 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. 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. Forest Info Center with HQ Administration Building 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 National Park Service Complex boundary. Located at 810 Moore Street (State Route 20) in Sedro-Woolley, the North Cascades National Park Service Complex Headquarters and Public Information Center is five miles east of I-5 in Burlington and approximately 46 miles west of North Cascades National Park Complex boundary. Golden West Visitor Center Visitor Center located short walk from the passenger ferry landing at Stehekin Landing inside what was the historic Golden West Lodge. Exhibits: Relief map and natural and cultural history of the area. Arts & Humanities of Stehekin operates the Golden West Gallery, featuring local art and crafts. Facilities: Information desk, bookstore. Audiovisual program. Summer ranger programs offered. A short walk from the passenger ferry landing at Stehekin Landing at the north end of 50-mile long Lake Chelan. Reached via passenger ferry, trail, or float plane. Not accessible by road/vehicle. North Cascades Visitor Center 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. Exhibits: Relief map of the park and surrounding area, exhibit room featuring multimedia exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history. Available Facilities: Theater featuring large format slide program and video presentation. Several short, accessible interpretive trails and restrooms. Information desk. Bookstore. North Cascades Visitor Center is located off North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) in Newhalem, Washington, just behind Newhalem Creek Campground. Newhalem is 59 miles east of I-5 in Burlington and 72 miles west of Winthrop. Wilderness Information Center 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 Areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnights in the park year-round and are available at an outdoor self-issue station when the center is closed during the winter season. Information desk. Sales area with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and adjacent national forests. Drive State Route 20 toward Marblemount. Turn onto Ranger Station Road, which leaves State Route 20 at milepost 105.3, just west of Marblemount, and drive 0.7 miles to the complex at the end of the road. The Wilderness Information Center is on the right. Colonial Creek North Campground Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities for various abilities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails. Colonial Creek North Campground Reservation Fee 24.00 Reservations can be made up to 6 months or 7 days in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877)444-6777. Checkout time is 12:00 pm. Colonial Creek North Campground A forested campsite with a picnic table, tent pad, and bear box. A campsite in Colonial Creek North Campground. Colonial Creek South Campground Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available first-come, first-served in the winter (sites 64-73). Sites may be difficult to access in winter. Reservations required late May to September. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails. Colonial Creek Campground Summer Reservation Fee 24.00 Reservations can be made up to 6 months or 7 days in advance at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777. Check out time is 12:00 pm on the day of departure. Colonial Creek South Campground Winter Fee 0.00 Ten sites #64 - #73 (walk-in, tent-only) remain open during winter months with no water, services, or fees. Vault toilets available. Please carry out all trash. Snow may be on ground during winter months. Colonial Creek Campground Wooden campground sign in front of a cabin. Entrance station for Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake. Goodell Creek Campground Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or 7 days in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River and fishing on the Skagit and its tributaries. Goodell Creek Campground Summer Reservation Fee 20.00 Fee is per site per night, and includes a maximum of 2 vehicles, 8 people, and 3 tents. Fee also includes service charge from recreation.gov reservation system. Check out time is 12 pm on day of departure. Goodell Creek Campground Winter Fee 0.00 Goodell Creek Campground does not charge a fee and is free from mid-September to Memorial Day weekend, when water and trash services are stopped. Vault toilet available. Goodell Creek Campground A picnic shelter next to a river Picnic shelter and boat launch area at Goodell Creek Campground Gorge Lake Campground Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-served during the winter. Summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a boat launch on Gorge Lake, fishing, and hiking trails. Gorge Lake Campground Summer Reservation Fee 20.00 Reserve sites up to 6 months in advance online at recreation.gov or by phone at (877)444-6777. Check out time is 12 pm on day of departure. Primitive camp with no water. Vault toilets. Recycling and trash collection late May-early September. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park. Gorge Lake Campground Winter Fee 0.00 Gorge Lake Campground does not charge a fee and is free from mid-September to Memorial Day weekend, when water and trash services are stopped. Vault toilet available. Gorge Lake Campground An empty campsite in the forest. A small campground on the edge of Gorge Lake Harlequin Campground Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles from the public airstrip. All sites are walk-in sites though some have limited parking. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. Harlequin Campground Peak Season Fees 20.00 Fee is per site per night, and includes a maximum 8 people (note that some sites can only fit one tent). Fee also includes service charge from Recreation.gov reservation system. Harlequin Campground Non-peak Season Fees 0.00 Harlequin Campground is free and first-come, first-served from mid-September to late June. There is no trash services during the non-peak season. Vault toilet available. Harlequin Campground An open sunny forest near a green river. Harlequin Campground, located near the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles from Stehekin Landing. Hozomeen 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, first-served. Facilities include boat launches, pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grates. Guests must pack-out all trash. Campsites located in the Upper Loop are closed until further notice due to hazard trees. Hozomeen Campground Fees 0.00 There is no camping fee. Hozomeen Campground A wooded campsite with a picnic table and fire pit Hozomeen Campground Lakeview Campground Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Lakeview Campground is a five minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. Lakeview Campground Peak Season Fees 20.00 Fee is per site per night, and includes a maximum 8 people (note that some sites can only fit one tent). Fee also includes service charge from Recreation.gov reservation system. Lakeview Campground Non-peak Season Fees 0.00 Lakeview Campground is free and first-come, first-served from mid-September to late May. There is no water or trash services during the non-peak season. Vault toilet available. Lakeview Campground An open sunny forest surrounds small campsites with picnic tables The lower section (sites 1 - 5) of Lakeview Campground, looking north. Lower Goodell Group Campground Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has 5 tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people and 20 vehicles per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water. Lower Goodell Group Campground Campsite Reservation Fee 75.00 Reservations can be made through recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Maximum of 50 people per site. Garbage/recycling service, and vault toilets provided. No showers or hook-ups. Each site has a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbecue grill. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park. Closed in winter. Lower Goodell Group Campsite A sheltered picnic area in the forest Upper and Lower Goodell Campgrounds can accommodate large groups. Newhalem Creek Campground Newhalem Creek Campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem and the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has individual campsites as well as two group sites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are only a short walk away. Newhalem Creek Campground Individual Campsite Reservation Fee 24.00 Fee is per site per night, and includes a maximum of 2 vehicles, 8 people, and 3 tents. Fee also includes service charge from Recreation.gov reservation system. Check out time is 12 pm on day of departure. Closed in winter. Newhalem Creek Campground Group Campsite Reservation Fee 75.00 Reservations can be made through recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Maximum of 25 people per site. Potable water, dump station, garbage/recycling service, and flush toilets provided. No showers or hook-ups. Each site has a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbecue grill. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park. Closed in winter. Newhalem Campground Benches in a forested amphitheater Newhalem Creek Campground amphitheater Purple Point Campground Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Purple Point Campground is a ten minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. Purple Point Campground Peak Season Fees 20.00 Fee is per site per night, and includes a maximum 8 people (note that some sites can only fit one tent). Fee also includes service charge from Recreation.gov reservation system. Purple Point Non-peak Season Fees 0.00 Purple Point Campground is free and first-come, first-served from mid-September to late May. There is no water or trash services during the non-peak season. Vault toilet available. Purple Point Campground A wooden picnic table at a campsite overlooks a paved road, large lake, and distant mountains. The sites at Purple Point Campground sit near the Stehekin Valley Road and Lake Chelan Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite Upper Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. The group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 30 people (10 vehicles). Upper Goodell cannot accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water. Upper Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees 75.00 Reserve sites 3-360 days in advance at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 for $75. Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees 0.00 Closed for winter season Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite A forested campsite with picnic tables under a pavillion. Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite Stehekin - Looking down Lake Chelan boats on the water with mountains and trees surrounding Stehekin sits at the top of Lake Chelan, welcoming visitors to take a life at a slower pace. Camping on Ross Lake Tents set up in a wooded area. Grab your tent, your sleeping bag, and adventurous soul and camp along Ross Lake. Pelton Basin from Cascade Pass Trees surround the frame with glacier and mountains in the background Let the wow factor exceed your expectations while hiking Cascade Pass. Backpack the North Cascades Person with backpacking and climbing gear hikes on a trail. Explore the trails and backcountry camping and climbing in a landscape over 9,000 feet of vertical relief. Jagged Mountain Peaks Jagged mountain peaks give way to glaciers. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers as you traverse the landscape. 2014 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2014 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Climate Adaptation: Adapting Road and Trail Infrastructure to Changing Hydrologic Flows Climate models project average warming in the Pacific Northwest of 2.1 °C by the 2040s and 3.8 °C by the 2080s. Warmer temperatures will influence precipitation patterns in the northern Cascades by shifting many watersheds from snow to rain dominated systems. These shifts will result in more autumn/winter floods, higher peak flows, and lower summer flows. People with heavy equipment looking out over a washed out section of road Glacier Monitoring in the National Parks of Washington State: A virtual field experience. Increasing public awareness of Glacial resources in the North Coast / Cascades National Parks Virtual reality is being investigated as a means of providing the average visitor and the public with the experience of glaciers and glacier research. Monitoring the Health of Whitebark Pine Populations MAY 2018 – Whitebark pine is a five-needle pine that grows in high-elevation ecosystems in Western North America. It can be found in three national parks within the North Coast and Cascades Network. Today, its long-term survival is threatened by an introduced fungus, blister rust, and the native mountain pine beetle. To better understand how to protect the trees, the Network established study plots in eight stands in Mount Rainier and five stands in North Cascades in 2004. Person measuring a stand of whitebark pine and subalpine fir trees Cascades Butterfly Project May 2018 – Butterfly abundances and plant flowering patterns are sensitive indicators of changing climates. The Cascades Butterfly Project is a long-term monitoring program where citizen scientists (volunteers) and National Park Service biologists monitor subalpine butterflies and plant phenology. Person examining a captured butterfly in the field Climate Change and Long-term Trends in Bald Eagle Winter Habitat Use on the Skagit River Bald eagle winter use of the Skagit River is declining and is closely linked to the timing and presence of chum salmon and flood events, which have changed markedly over the last 40 years. Bald eagle standing over a fish carcass at a river's edge Sensitivity of Marmots and Pikas to Weather Anomalies Associated with Climate Change Hoary marmots and American pikas are locally declining in response to climate driven changes in moisture, snowpack duration, warming temperatures, and cold exposure. Two marmots, one larger and one smaller, look out from behind a rock Butterflies of the North Coast & Cascades A comprehensive list of butterfly species found in Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park Complex, Olympic National Park, and San Juan Island National Historical Park. Brightly colored Milbert's tortoiseshell on the ground Washington Fisher Restoration Fishers, a member of the weasel family, are being reintroduced to Washington State. A fisher, a medium-sized mammal with brown fur. Timelapse Video of Night Sky Camera Set Up Silent timelapse video shows night sky specialists with the NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division installing a custom CCD camera for measuring light conditions of the night sky. Timelapse video shows people installing a camera and tripod against a naturally dark night sky. North Coast and Cascades Network Exotic Plant Management Team The North Coast and Cascades Network Exotic Plant Management Team (NCCN EPMT) manages a diverse array of exotic plants across the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The team works with partner parks and agencies to augment vegetation management across the network. People loading weed control equipment into the back of a vehicle Moths of the North Coast & Cascades Moths are insects and members of the taxonomic order of Lepidoptera. They and their larvae provide food for other insects, fish, and animals, and they are pollinators for many nocturnally flowering plants. Over the last five years, parks in the North Coast and Cascades Network have conducted Bioblitzes to begin developing species lists of moths in our parks. Scribe moth specimen What’s That Buzz? Documenting Pollinator Diversity in North Cascades and Olympic National Parks Most flowering plants rely on insect pollinators for successful reproduction. Thus many plant-feeding animals (like bears, goats, elk) are also dependent on insect pollinators for their well-being. Still, park scientists know relatively little about the diversity of native insect pollinators. We designed a study to document the diversity of two very important groups of insect pollinators in North Cascades and Olympic National Parks: bees and flower flies. Side view of a yellowhead bumble bee specimen with a substantial pollen load on its hind leg Nitrogen Deposition in the North Coast and Cascades Nitrogen deposition is a widely an unknown yet poignant issue in the west. Studies at Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park are investigating effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Effects of Nitrogen Deposition on High Alpine Lakes in North Coast and Cascades Parks Remote high alpine lakes are sensitive indicators of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Anthropogenic N deposition has potential to change species composition and ecosystem function in alpine lakes. Alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Historic Visibility Studies in National Parks Haze can negatively impact how well people can see and appreciate our national parks across the country. This article summarizes the visibility studies from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s aimed at identifying the sources of haze causing pollution at specific parks and improving visibility monitoring methods. Big bend national park river Understanding Mercury Concentrations in Mountain Lake Fish Mountain lakes may seem pristine, but they are subjected to multiple types of man-made stressors. Since the industrial revolution, toxins from industrial activities have begun to travel through the atmosphere and be deposited onto the mountain landscape, where lakes act as collection basins. This study sought to determine the range of mercury concentrations in mountain lake fish, and to understand which variables contribute to high mercury in fish. Researcher in an inflatable boat on a sparkling mountain lake Measuring light pollution across a landscape It takes a special camera to take a special picture—forty-five images in the case of a customized camera used by the National Park Service to document night sky quality. NPS scientists with the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD) discussed the camera—how it works, what the images reveal, why it is important, and how it advances the NPS mission. Sweeping valley view from a mountain w/clouds and a female scientist installing the NPS camera. Park Air Profiles - North Cascades National Park Air quality profile for North Cascades National Park. Gives park-specific information about air quality and air pollution impacts for North Cascades NP as well as the studies and monitoring conducted for North Cascades NP. Lupine flowers on Sahale Arm Effects of Balsam Woolly Adelgid on True Firs in a Changing Climate In about 1900, a tiny insect called balsam woolly adelgid, a European native, appeared in North America on balsam firs. It can now be found in the West as well, in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. In Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, infestations have been found on subalpine fir and Pacific silver fir, but subalpine fir is more heavily damaged. Swollen tip of a fir branch indicating balsam woolly adelgid infestation. Bees of the North Coast & Cascades Bees are some of the most abundant and important pollinators in the world – especially in mountainous environments. Despite the importance of bees in our natural environments, many national parks do not know what species live within their boundaries. In 2016, to celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service, North Coast and Cascades national parks focused on inventories of pollinators, including bees. Macro photo of the metallic blue head of a mason bee Glacier Monitoring in North Coast & Cascades Parks The North Coast and Cascades Network currently contains 485 glaciers that are iconic features of the region, and vital components of the parks hydrology and ecosystems. The remains of Banded Glacier in 2016 Effects of Nitrogen Deposition on High Alpine Meadows in North Coast and Cascades Parks Alpine plant communities are limited by nitrogen (N) because they have evolved in ecosystems with naturally low levels of reactive N. Increased N deposition is projected to alter plant communities, soil processes, soil carbon and N storage. An alpine meadow in bloom with mountains in the background. Modeling climate change effects on the hydrology of North Cascades wetland ecosystems Through field research and modeling, this study examines the effects of climate change on mountain wetlands and the fauna, like amphibians, that are dependent on those habitats. Wildland Fire in Douglas Fir: Western United States Douglas fir is widely distributed throughout the western United States, as well as southern British Columbia and northern Mexico. Douglas fir is able to survive without fire, its abundantly-produced seeds are lightweight and winged, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations where seedlings can be established. Close-up of Douglas fir bark and needles. Recipe for Mountain Lake Conservation After a long hike through the mountains, nothing compares to the inspiring beauty of a healthy, colorful mountain lake. But airborne nitrogen pollution threatens the health and function of these alpine oases. man sits by mountain lake NPS Geodiversity Atlas—North Cascades National Park, Washington North Cascades National Park contains steep glaciated mountains containing a diverse, complex assemblage of rocks that span from the Precambrian to the Holocene. It consists of a collage of distinct geological terranes juxtaposed that were slowly accreted (tectonically added) to the western edge of the North American continent. mountain pass Syrphid Flies of the North Coast & Cascades Syrphid flies, also known as hoverflies or flower flies, feed on nectar or pollen and are frequently observed on flowers in subalpine and alpine ecosystems. However, there is little research on their distribution or importance as pollinators. In 2014, Dr. Jessica Rykken conducted pollinator surveys in Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park Service Complex, and documented 57 taxa of syrphid flies. A syrphid fly with yellow and black coloration similar to that of a wasp Walking With Wildflowers: Monitoring Pacific Crest Trail Plant Communities as Climate Changes Walking with Wildflowers is a citizen science program dedicated to monitoring plant phenology along the Pacific Crest Trail using observations from hikers and backpackers. Its main goal is to determine whether plant species are able to respond to changing climatic conditions and better understand how plants use seasonal cues to time flowering. Trail through a meadow surrounded by trees, with mountains beyond 1997–1998 El Niño / 1998–1999 La Niña Wind-driven waves and abnormally high sea levels contributed to hundreds of millions of dollars in flood and storm damage in the San Francisco Bay region, including Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Pinnacles National Monument. In addition to California, the 1997–1998 El Niño and the following 1998–1999 La Niña severely impacted the Pacific Northwest, including many National Park System units. colorful ocean surface mapping image Wildland Fire in Ponderosa Pine: Western United States This forest community generally exists in areas with annual rainfall of 25 inches or less. Extensive pure stands of this forest type are found in the southwestern U.S., central Washington and Oregon, southern Idaho and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Recently burned ponderosa pine forest. History of the Panoramic Lookout Project Most documentation of the panoramic lookout photos project, which began about 1930 to document areas seen from the lookout system, comes from the US Forest Service. The NPS project began in 1934. Lester Moe worked for the Forest Service taking photos in 1933 and 1934, and later worked for NPS. Several innovations came about from this project: the Osborne photo-recording transit and “special emulsion infra-red sensitive film” not affected by smoke and haze. sample of the panoramic lookout project Student Journal: Tracking Lichen to Assess Air Quality at North Cascades National Park Lichen play an important role in keeping forested ecosystems healthy by providing food, shelter, and nesting material to animals, retaining moisture from the atmosphere, and trapping nutrients from the air. Lichen can also help us understand the air quality in a forest. Join student intern Kelly McCoy as she assists a field crew collecting lichen samples in remote areas in North Cascades National Park. View of snow-capped mountains along a river on a partly cloudy day. National Park Service Fire Management Staff Assist with Wildfire Response in Australia In the northern hemisphere winter of 2019-2020, twenty National Park Service employees responded to the call for assistance with wildfires in Australia. They had a great experience, and brought home some important lessons and lifelong memories. A group of men and women hold the United States and Australian flags. Celebrating soils across the National Park System First in a series of three "In Focus" articles that share insights into the near-universal and far-reaching effects of soils on the ecology, management, and enjoyment of our national parks. Fossil soils at Cabrillo National Monument reveal marine deposits How are Landbird Populations Doing in the North Coast and Cascades Network? Landbirds are one of the vital signs monitored in five national parks of the North Coast and Cascades Network. Two recent studies show that for species with discernible trends, most populations are stable or even increasing. A greenish-yellow bird singing from a perch Bat Projects in Parks: North Coast Cascades Network Eleven bat species occur in North Coast Cascades Network Parks. Each species is unique, except that they're all facing threats of some kind in their environments. Learn more about how scientists study bats and what you can do to help. Is the Fate of Whitebark Pine in the Beak of Clark's Nutcracker? Clark’s nutcrackers favor the seeds of whitebark pines, which they cache in great numbers. Whitebark pines are largely dependent on nutcrackers for seed dispersal; many cached seeds are not retrieved and go on to germinate. The tree is in decline due to native bark beetles, a non-native fungus, and climate change. Will the bird turn to other food sources? A recent study analyzes data on both species from the Cascades and Sierra to understand the risk to this mutualism. Gray and black bird with beak open perched in a conifer Buckner Homestead Historic District Cultural Landscape The Buckner Homestead Historic District expresses the history of early settlement and agricultural development in the North Cascades. Originally home to William Buzzard, the remote area later served as the home and commercial orchard of the Buckner family. The orchard, buildings, roads, and other features that remain on the property still reflect the homestead's historic organization and use. Dirt tire tracks lead past a wood and stone cabin to a garage on the right Series: Panoramic Project Shows How National Parks Change Over Time In the 1930s, panoramic photographs were taken from lookout points. Comparing these images to present-day photographs allows us to understand change over time. Viewing photographs of different eras in the national parks can give many insights on ecosystem processes, as well as simply change over time. The panoramic lookout photographs provide a window on the past and an opportunity to compare to the present with changes to landforms and land cover. Lester Moe documenting park landscapes in the 1930s Series: NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Since 2002, the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Environmental Achievement (EA) Awards to recognize staff and partners in the area of environmental preservation, protection and stewardship. A vehicle charges at an Electric Vehicle charging station at Thomas Edison National Historical Park Series: Coastal Geomorphology—Storms of Record Storms can bring about significant coastal change as well as substantial economic damage and loss in the human environment. Read about a few storms of interest that have since made history due to their unique intensity, characteristics, or impacts. aerial view of a major storm along the northwest coast of the united states and canada Series: Park Air Profiles Clean air matters for national parks around the country. Photo of clouds above the Grand Canyon, AZ Data Manager Profile: Kristen Bonebrake Meet Kristen Bonebrake, Data Manager for the North Coast and Cascades Network Inventory & Monitoring Network, and discover the important role that data managers play in protecting the natural resources of our parks! Explore Kristen's journey—from counting roadkill as an intern at Saguaro National Park, to collaborating with bright minds around the country to solve the complex challenges facing our nation's most special places. Kristen kneels on a rock in front of a dramatic snow-capped mountain scene. From Experiment to Ornament: Northern Red Oak at Marblemount Ranger Station The presence of a solitary northern red oak tree in a ranger station may seem unremarkable at first glance, but this tree has a unique role in conveying the history of North Cascades National Park and has special value to the community. A mature northern red oak stands tall in an open turf meadow. Listening for Owls: A Multi-agency Collaboration to Preserve Spotted Owl Habitat Across the West For over 25 years, biologists from the National Park Service and several other agencies have collected spotted owl monitoring data to inform forest management that is guided by the multi-agency Northwest Forest Plan. Yet traditional field surveys for spotted owls have become less effective as their numbers have dwindled. Thus in 2021, the Northwest Forest Plan’s spotted owl monitoring design is transitioning to remote acoustic monitoring (also known as passive monitoring). Audio recording unit, with microphones on either side, mounted on a tree trunk. Top Ten Tips: Know Before You Go Park rangers share their insider tips for visiting North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Check out the top 10 list to get the most out of your summer vacation. A person paddles in a canoe on a blue lake. Edwin Torres: A Native Plant Propagation Assistant Meet Edwin Torres, a Native Plant Propagation Assistant at North Cascades National Park, through the Mosaics in Science Internship Program. This summer Edwin is helping assess, maintain and monitor revegetation sites throughout the park. Read about what made Edwin decide to work with the National Park Service and its beautiful places. man posing in nature surrounded by plants Irene, Harriet and Elizabeth Joy Buckner Sisters Irene, Harriet, and Elizabeth Joy Bucker grew up on a family homestead in the Stehekin Valley in Chelan County, Washington, which became part of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Their early lives at the northern end of Lake Chelan exemplify the family labor system essential to rural homesteads in the first part of the twentieth century. Black and white photo of three young women wearing coats North Coast and Cascades Network Delivers a New Generation of Vegetation Maps North Coast and Cascades Network has developed vegetation maps for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks in partnership with the Institute for Natural Resources. Two field crewmembers collecting vegetation data in a lush forest The 2021 Bear Creek Fire – Suppressing Fire on the International Border At the end of July 2021, the Bear Creek Fire was discovered burning in the Stephen Mather Wilderness of North Cascades National Park, WA. What made this fire different from other fires in 2021, was that it was burning approximately two air miles south of the international border with Canada in an area with no contemporary fire history. Smoke plume rising from snowy, rocky, mountains. Lucinda J. Davis The life of Lucinda J. Davis and her family is intertwined with the North Cascades region. Her love of the wilderness and desire for independence drew her to the region in the late nineteenth century. Older woman in plain dress leans against wooden fence at family homestead with her dog in foreground Women in Landscape-Scale Conservation: Cheryl Decker Cheryl Decker works hard to keep invasive plants from moving across boundaries. woman smiles at camera with rows of daffodils behind her Battle of the Bark Trees shade us from the sun, provide homes for wildlife, stabilize Earth’s surface, and produce food for humans and animals alike. Some are massive, and others are miniscule by comparison, but what makes one better than the other—we’ll let you decide! Check out our iconic trees below and find your favorite! Five thick barked red-brown trees are backlit by the sunlight. More than a Modern Homestead: the Legacy of Lloyd and Amy Bell in Stehekin Valley Amy and Lloyd Bell were long-time schoolteachers in Stehekin and built a home in the valley. Series: Women's History in the Pacific West - Columbia-Pacific Northwest Collection Biographies of women from parks in Washington, Oregon Idaho and far western Montana Map of Washington, Oregon and Idaho Taking the Pulse of a Forest JANUARY 2023 – Pacific Northwest forests are vital living systems, cycling huge quantities of carbon and nutrients, filtering pollutants from waterways, and serving as a living bulwark against climate change. However, forests worldwide are threatened by increasing warming and drought, leading to tree die-offs. A new study asks the question: Is this pattern playing out in the mature and old-growth forests of western Washington? Woman stands in a forest writing on a clipboard Modeling Reintroduction in a Time of Change FEBRUARY 2023 – Reintroduction offers a chance to return grizzly bears to the North Cascades Ecosystem—if the habitat available in their former home can support them. With temperatures rising rapidly in the North Cascades Ecosystem, this study asks a timely question: would a warmer ecosystem still support these massive omnivores? Grizzly bear standing in a forest. Enjoy the View Like Tyler Walsh Like many of the hikes in the North Cascades, the hike up to Trappers Peak is a beast of a hike, but when you get to the top of Trappers Peak, you realize that it was worth all the huffing, puffing, and burning muscles... Tyler Walsh shares one of her favorite views in North Cascades National Park. jagged snowcapped mountains with purple wildflowers in the foreground Long-term Ecological Monitoring of Mountain Lakes, 2013 An on-going long-term study of the impacts of atmospheric pollution, climate change, non-native species, backcountry visitation, and other factors on park lakes. Woman in NPS ballcap sitting on rocky lake shore operates water sampling equipment. Conservation Diaries: Elisa Distefano, International Volunteer Meet Elisa Distefano, an Environmental, Natural Resource Management and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist from Rome, Italy. She works in national parks and protected areas around the world and chose to volunteer at North Cascades National Park in 2022 helping with a lot of scientific research. Elisa on a bike carrying grass in her backpack Conservation Diaries: Sarah Nolan, International Volunteer Meet Sarah Nolan, an international volunteer from the United Kingdom, who was a volunteer interpretive ranger at Lake Chelan National Recreation Area during 2022. She brought her interest in history and the outdoors to help with historical research, as well as assisting park visitors and giving programs. Volunteer talking next to an easel displaying maps Intern Spotlight: Kai Victor Meet Kai Victor, a former Mosaics in Science Biology Assistant intern at Mount Rainier National Park! Young Asian male smiling with arms crossed, wearing a light gray shirt, dark gray pants Buckner Orchard History and Care The Buckner Orchard, located near Lake Chelan in North Cascades National Park, was a popular community gathering place in the early 1900s, known for both the apple crop and the family hospitality. It represents a time period of transformation in the commercial apple market and is an important repository of the heirloom Common Delicious apple variety. Care for the orchard continues, guided by a recent Cultural Landscape Report, experience of an NPS orchardist, and volunteers. Overhead view of orchard layout at Buckner Homestead. Conifer forest frames a grid of apple trees Project Profile: Build Seed Bank for Threatened Conifer Restoration North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park will build a collaborative network and internal capacity to identify seed source trees, collect and curate seeds from whitebark pine and other 5-needle pine species. a tree climber places protective coverings on developing cones on conifer trees in the mountains Project Profile: Restoring Wildlife Habitat in 7 Parks in Washington and California The National Park Service will restore highly sensitive habitats along 13 trails and two campgrounds through native plant revegetation and trail stabilization and re-routing. By restoring habitat and damaged riparian zones along heavily impacted trails and in over-capacity campgrounds, this project will prevent further erosion, redirect visitor use, protect fragile habitats that harbor numerous endangered species, and enhance visitor safety, enjoyment, and access. a sloping coastal beach habitat in California with buildings and a parking area along the shoreline Written in the Water: Four Parks Wrap Up Phase I of New Genetic Census SEPTEMBER 2023 – Over two years, teams at four parks in the North Coast & Cascades Network hiked hundreds of miles to collect samples of environmental DNA (eDNA) from park waters. These delicate samples promise to greatly expand our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, answering important questions about threatened species, emerging pathogens, ecological invaders, and more. What's next for this project? A hand holds a paper sample envelope in front of a forest stream. Seven National Parks Collaborate on Project to Accomplish Shared Restoration Goals Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will support restoration projects in seven national parks across California and Washington. The involved parks demonstrate one or more of the following project objectives: ‘keep wildlife wild’, endangered species habitat restoration, and improving visitor access and enjoyment of parks. coastal beach habitat sloping down towards the ocean Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act support range-wide efforts to rescue disease-addled whitebark pine forests Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funds enable whitebark pine recovery work at 10 national parks. In addition to identifying disease resistant trees and cultivating rust-resistant seedlings, increased staffing and expanded partnerships will also allow parks to collect and store seed during years when the pines produce massive amounts of seed during "mast" events. a whitebark pine tree on a hillside Early Detection Is the Best Protection for Old-Growth Forests Despite dire evidence of rising tree death, researchers found resilience and hope deep inside western Washington's forests. But it will take 21st-century monitoring methods to keep that hope alive. A lush green forest with large, moss-covered trees, and ferns My Park Story: Todd Grabow Read about Todd's path to landing a job at a park that holds a special place in his heart! A smiling man stands next to a red helicopter in front of a mountain range at sunset. Burned Area Emergency Response team protects visitors and resources from post-fire risk The Department of Interior, Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team was deployed during the post-fire recovery phase of the Sourdough Fire in North Cascades National Park to address hazards the fire created. The BAER Team evaluated and mitigated damage caused by the wildfire, and developed a long-term plan for repair and recovery which will stabilize soil, mitigate hazards to visitors, protect and repair trails and infrastructure, and protect important resources. A person in wildland firefighter gear stands in a rocky area with mountains in the background. Dwindling Numbers Spur a New Approach to Northern Spotted Owl Monitoring SEPTEMBER 2023 – Northern spotted owls are in trouble. Populations on the Olympic Peninsula fell by over 80% between 1995 and 2017; in Mount Rainier National Park, they declined nearly 75% over the same period. In response to declining numbers, autonomous recording units have become the front line of monitoring across the species’ range. This technology offers unique advantages, but challenges to the species survival remain. A researcher in a patterned rain jacket examines a green plastic recording unit in a forest. Landscape Disturbance in Pacific Northwest National Parks MARCH 2024 – Even national parks transform over time—sometimes in dramatic ways! Explore a new visual tour through 30 years of data from the NCCN’s landscape change monitoring program, which uses satellite remote sensing to track disturbances in Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades. This analysis also offers clues to how climate change may be altering disturbance patterns in wilderness areas across the Pacific Northwest. Hiker with red backpack views a large fire scar on a mountainside. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on how dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways: Janssen, S.E., C.J. Kotalik, J.J. Willacker, M.T. Tate, C. Flanagan Pritz, S.J. Nelson, D.P. Krabbenhoft, D. Walters, and C. Eagles-Smith. 2024. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Foods Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436 close up of dragonfly larvae on white spoon Project Profile: Whitebark Pine Restoration and Resilience The National Park Service will build climate resilience and increase biodiversity in threatened whitebark pine forest ecosystems by increasing capacity to collect seed and propagate blister rust resistant seedlings. a man with a beard examines cones on a whitebark pine tree How a Tree Created a Pivotal New Conservation Community Found mainly on public lands, whitebark pine is one of America’s most threatened and ecologically valuable tree species. A multi-agency alliance is using innovative strategies based on science to help it avoid extinction. Recent federal funding is helping. A stand of tall pine trees with white bark on a gently sloping hillside. Inventory & Monitoring Partnerships Aim to Improve Park Forest Health from Coast to Coast From coast to coast, the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division is helping park managers improve the health and function of forest ecosystems. From promoting resilient forests in the Northeast, to conserving whitebark pine in the West, to protecting Hawaiian forest birds from avian malaria, scientific partnerships are helping parks to share information, leverage funding sources, and work together for outcomes that extend beyond what any park could accomplish on its own. Four people, one in NPS uniform, stand in a forest. Three look upward through binoculars. Effects of Wildfire on Whitebark Pine Whitebark pine is an important species in North Cascades National Park Service Complex ecosystems. The 2023 Sourdough Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team included a forester, fire ecologist, vegetation ecologist, and botanist with relevant knowledge and experience to survey the stands of whitebark pine and assess the impacts to this important tree from the 2023 Sourdough Fire. Vegetation ecologists surveys whitebark pine. BAER Response: Sourdough Fire Team Members A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team was deployed to North Cascades National Park Service Complex after the 2023 Sourdough Fire. Learn more about some of the team members, Jack Oelfke and Cedar Drake, as well as what a BAER team does. People in yellow shirts in a burned area The Role of Botany in Burned Area Emergency Response After the 2023 Sourdough Fire at North Cascade National Park Service Complex a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team was brought to the park complex. Wildfire has a big impact on vegetation since plants compose most of the fuel for fires. One of the team members was Janet Coles, a biologist. She surveyed the vegetation in the burned area focusing on invasive species, and trees damaged by fire that create hazards for humans or infrastructure. A BAER team member surveys vegetation next to a burned area. Fire resource advisors support western parks in 2024 During the 2024 fire season, wildfires impacted several National Park Service (NPS) units throughout the Pacific West Region. These wildfires threatened sensitive natural and cultural resources in each park, but a new generation of NPS wildland fire Resource Advisors (READs) was trained and ready to help protect the special values for which these parks were designated. Three people wearing firefighting gear work around a wooden structure near water. Untangling the Threads of North Cascades’ Marmot Decline OCTOBER 2024 – In the North Cascades, hoary marmots are in danger. Between 2007 and 2016, observed abundance fell by a whopping 74%. Past research linked this decline with chronically dry conditions and low snowpack, combined with acute cold. A new study examined whether climate change is compounding the threat by opening the door to predators like coyotes that were previously deterred by snowpack. Three fluffy, brown and grey groundhog-like animals cuddling 24 in 2024: An Explore Nature Year in Review As we reflect on 2024, we offer you a list of 24 interesting and exciting science and nature events from parks of the national park system. From awe-inspiring celestial events to celebrating anniversaries and conservation wins, 2024 was filled with amazing moments. purples and greens of the northern lights light up the sky over hot springs at night “Cracking the code” on mercury bioaccumulation Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on a model to predict mercury risk park waterbodies: Kotalik, C.J. et al. 2025. Ecosystem drivers of freshwater mercury bioaccumulation are context-dependent: insights from continental-scale modeling. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07280 A person stands in a field looking at a bug through a magnifying lens.

North Cascades North Cascades National Park Ross Lake National Recreation Area Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Washington National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. Gary Snyder, poet, 1952 Mounting Effects of Incremental Change North Cascades is studded by glaciers and lakes, blanketed by forests, and threaded by rivers. Steep, nearly vertical slopes converge in narrow river valleys that offer ways into the wilderness. You may think it is an immutable place, outside time. But in the remote reaches of the park and its inhabited areas, ecosystems and the species at home in them now show effects of human intervention or actions. By altering Earth’s atmosphere, we are physically and biologically transforming our world. Viewed in the continuum of the planet’s 4.5-billion-year history, the changes of the last few decades are sudden and extreme. How trees and plants respond to changes in climate will vary depending on elevation, direction of exposure, and other factors. At lower elevations, warmer and drier summers may result in increased tree mortality. Smaller trees are likely to succumb first. At higher elevations, warmer temperatures will melt snow earlier. The longer growing season will allow trees like subalpine fir to establish up-slope. The tree islands characteristic of subalpine park- land will expand, displacing flower fields and changing animal habitats. As snowfields melt, some shrubs and herbaceous plants may also move up in elevation—if they can find enough soil. Drought and higher temperatures will stress many trees, allowing diseases, native insects, and non-native pests to spread more quickly. For example, almost two-thirds of the park’s whitebark pine, an important tree in subalpine meadows, now suffer from a non-native blister rust. While some changes may be hard to see, one looms large. The glaciers of the North Cascades range are shrinking (right). As less ice and snow build up in winter, more melting occurs in summer. 2016 The availability and timing of water affect delicate cycles of growth for trees, herbaceous plants, and pollinators in the Stehekin valley. Apple farming is a mainstay of central Washington’s economy. When fruit trees blossom, mature insects must be available to pollinate them, or the trees will not set fruit. Flooding can interrupt these cycles. business into the 1950s. It continues to produce Common Delicious apples (below) and two other original varieties: Red Rome Beauty and Jonathan. The National Park Service manages the 50-acre orchard with the Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation and the Stehekin community. The orchard’s gravity flow irrigation system, fed by snowpack, is still in use today. Drought may become a bigger threat to Buckner Orchard as climate change leads to a reduced volume of water. This leads to less water in the Skagit and Stehekin rivers in summer and to further local and regional repercussions. Stakes are high. Rivers, lakes, forests, and wildlife depend on snow and glacial melt, as do people. In the Pacific Northwest, snow and ice are critical resources that contribute water for drinking, irrigation, hydropower, recreation, and life. Photos (right) show that Banded Glacier melted back dramatically between 1960 and 2016. The park’s glaciers have been closely monitored since 1993. In Skagit Valley, which makes up 75 percent of the park, glacial volume has decreased by 800 billion gallons of water since 1959. NPS Aerial view of Mt. Goode in winter (above). © STEPHEN MATERA The Pulse of Two Rivers Stehekin River Skagit River WEST SIDE Over 370 glaciers now feed the Skagit River in late summer, when little other runoff occurs. The glacial melt helps fills Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lakes (map, other side). All three lakes are dammed, with hydroelectricity generating stations that power the city of Seattle. But the dams block the downriver movement of sediment and large debris, like tree roots and limbs, which contribute to salmon habitat. 1960 FISHERIES The Skagit River supports all five Pacific salmon species—chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink. The salmon runs—when the fish leave the Salish Sea and swim upriver to spawn—have declined, in part because of shifts in river temperatures and volumes. Other factors are tide gates that block passage by young salmon and dikes that prevent salt water from overwashing former marshlands, which are prime salmon habitat. The culture, economy, and community life of the Upper Skagit, Sauk-Suiattle, Swinomish, and other Pacific Northwest tribes are closely linked to the periodic salmon runs, which bring rhythm and a sense of plenitude to people’s lives. To help stabilize the salmon populations, sport, tribal, and non-tribal commercial fisheries have reduced their catches. More measures may be needed before the populations return to healthy levels. EAST SIDE East of the Pacific Crest, snowfields and 19 named glaciers, which cover 4,875 a

North Cascades North Cascades National Park Ross Lake National Recreation Area Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Stephen Mather Wilderness National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior An Enduring Legacy of Wilderness “[I]t is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness.” — Wilderness Act, 1964 The North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes 684,000 acres in three units: North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Congress has designated 94% of the Complex as the Stephen Mather Wilderness. The Stephen Mather Wilderness is at the heart of over two million acres of some of the wildest lands remaining—a place “where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man….” Untrammeled (meaning“free of restraint,” “unconfined”) captures the essence of wilderness: a place where the land’s natural processes prevail, and the developments of modern technological society are largely unnoticeable. Here, we are visitors, but we also come home—to our natural heritage. It is a place to experience our past and a place to find future respite. This is the enduring legacy of wilderness. Today, as in the past, wilderness is an important part of every American’s story. People seek wilderness for many reasons: physical or mental challenge; solitude, renewal, or a respite from modern life; or as a place to find inspiration and to explore our heritage. What draws you to visit wilderness? Randy Godfrey SKAGIT VALLEY PROVINCIAL PARK Ri PROVINCIAL PARK C r e ek C k ee Cr Cree k Na i De vo re Castle Rock 8137ft 2480m St i le Sput t o r Manly Wham Flick Creek 2.2mi 3.5km 7.0mi 11.3km Cr Moore Point h Fis O K A N O G A N - W E N A T C H E E N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Pa ss e lan Che ier ac Domke Lake rev 3/21 MWR om /fr to Chocolate Glacier 2.9mi 4.7km 0.2mi 0.3km rry Fe er ng l yG Sum mi t Triplet Lakes+ 3.5mi 5.6km Lucerne st Du 2.5mi 4.0km n ee k l k ee Cr y an Co mp Cr est N Cre e Rain bow cG t Landing Castle Rock WILDERNESS War Creek Pass Purple C re ek Pass 7.5mi Juanita Lakeview 12.1km Lake (group) (no fires) (no fires) k Stehekin Golden West Visitor Center (360) 854-7365 0.5mi 0.8km il Tra ra T Cre ek De vo re Purp le C 0.5mi 0.8km Tr ail Holden Glacier Peak 10541ft 3213m RIDGE n Trail Sc il Tr a k th So u Pacific Purple Point STEHEKIN 1.0mi 0.4mi 1.6km 0.6km 3.3mi 5.3km Purple Mt 7161ft 2183m Purple+ 4.7km ee Cr Reynolds Hooter la he T 3.3mi 0.5mi 0.8km 1.5mi 2.4km 1.7mi 2.7km (group) Weaver Point PC reek 2.0mi de ul B o ek 3.2km re C Rennie B o ul d e r 2.1mi 3.4km Rainbow Bridge 5.3km Tra il Lakeshore Alt ern ate yt e F o rk West me Loop ak e ai l F or ation al Sce n k ne w Do E RIDG y P as a Tr Ban k Ea st Cra ter ir t ynin Th ree k Trail k No e M i le Cr e ek P iv er a w Riv er P ac Creek nn Lak e N Tr a ge Ri d p Co p Riv k er Ba B ak er R on gi t ek Cre Ska ut Tro O 2.2mi 3.5km N Creek SAWTOOTH R E C R E A T I O N r AC R E A k 23.7mi 38.1km Rennie+ ELA d lroa Rai Holden Lake KANGARO Bench Creek CH GE Bonanza Peak 9511ft 2899m Dee Dee Lakes+ E R ID 4.7km McAlester Mountain 7928ft 2416m 1.0mi 1.6km Harlequin il Tra 7.8mi 12.6km Rainbow Ford Rainbow Falls Buckner Orchard 2.9mi Tupshin Peak 8320ft 2536m LAKE CHELAN- South Pass 6305ft 1922m LAK RS il 2.3km Tra k 2.9mi 2.4mi 2.6km 3.9km 1.8mi 2.9km ny Hidden Meadows 0.7mi 1.1km McAlester Pass ail Tr om pa il Tra ake er L Alest Mc IN E ek Cre e e Ba k at Sl M Bowan Rainbow Meadows 1.6mi 4.1mi 6.6km Hock Mountain 7750ft 2362m 1.4mi Ridge+ 1.1mi 1.8km Rainbow Mountain 6040ft 1841m ai Tr 6064ft 1848m Twisp Pass 1.6km Bowan Mountain 7895ft Rainbow 2406m N AT I O N A L ee 1.3mi 3.0mi McAlester Lake 1.0mi High CHELAN Battalion Cr Early Winter Spires 7807ft 7740ft 2380m 2359m Stilletto Peak Copper Pass 7660ft 2335m Stiletto McAlester Lake (group) 0.3mi 0.5km LAKE 8182ft 2494m Liberty Blue Lake Bell Mtn 4.1mi 6.6km in ek ail eh Tr St ver Ri in ta un Mo High wa y rk k or McGregor Mountain reg l 8122ft Tra i 0.7mi n 1.1km 2476m M Rainbow Lake GLACIER PEAK WILDERNESS Trail e Cre ic C Suia ttle 4.1mi 6.6km Silver Star Mountain 8876ft 2705m SNAGTOOTH RIDGE Hock Kettling l Trai 5.4mi 8.7km Sulphur Creek Lime Mountain 6772ft 2064m Creek lp Cr ee k r hu Sandalee Glacier l ai Tr Blue Lake Trail 1.3mi 2.1km 2.7mi 4.3km e Su Downey Creek Dome Peak 8920ft 2719m ne s Bridge Creek Trailhead 0.4mi 0.6km Washington Pass Overlook 5477ft 1669m Washington Pass Rainy Pass 4855ft 1480m Lak Dome Glacier Itswoot Lake Buck Creek ril) Ag Trail Trail Rain b ow For k Cr 20 Cutthroat Porcupine Creek Rainy Rainy 0.8mi Lake Lake 1.3km

ET Mount Fury 8280ft 2524m Mount Terror 8151ft 2484m Desolation Peak 6102ft 1860m Luna Peak 8310ft 2533m RA NG McMillan Spire 7992ft 2436m E Big B eaver Creek Ross e a ve r Tr ail Lake Sourdough Lake 4623ft 1409m Sourdough Mountain 6120ft k ree 1865m Pie rce C ail rail 5985ft tn T P i erce M 1824m Azure Lake 4055ft 1236m Ea s tB an k a Tr g ek D i ab Diablo Dam Lake Lower Goodell Creek Goodell Creek 20 NEWHALEM 515ft 157m Gorge Dam Pyramid Lake Trail 20 Diablo Lake Overlook Paul Bunyans Stump 7480ft 2280m Colonial Creek Fou Colonial Colonial Peak Glacier 7771ft 2369m Th k o f July u k e it th e er Cr nd ag er Snowfield Peak 7771ft 2369m l Ruby Creek Creek ra T T McAlliste r Neve Glacier Tra i Ruby Cree k Ruby Mountain 7408ft 2258m C re e Sk Riv The Needle 8040ft 2451m Eas t B an k Arm Ross Lake Overlooks er nd hu Thornton Lakes Road il Ruby Happy Creek Nature Trail Thunder Knob Trail Pyramid Peak 7182ft Colonial Creek 2189m Bouck Lake Newhalem Creek North Cascades National Park Visitor Center er Tra r Thornton Lakes Trail Upper Goodell Creek e Pa nth il Thornton Lakes l o La k M Tra k ee Cr Gorge Creek Falls Gorge Happy ek e ek Cre Ross North Cascades Dam Environmental u Learning Center So Lake o l Di a b Tra i l DIABLO Stil lwe ll Cre Cr e Ross Lake Resort ou Crater Mountain 8128ft 2477m il Tra Jac k Tra il tn he r Go rg le rd tt a St et at tle il et Good ell St Davis Peak 7051ft 2149m h M tn Tr Terror Glacier B ig B ome Trail nal Scenic Trail Devil’s D atio t N Pacific Northwes Jack Mountain 9075ft Creek 2766m ls i v De nt CK Pa PI il Fourth of July Pass 3507ft 1069m Tra il Pa nt he r Cr ee k North Scale varies in this 3D perspective view. Cre ek 

NORTH CASCADES N AT I O N A L PA R K r Rainbow Falls ul d Bo pa bi Co m ny k ee Cr Harlequin Campground er STEHEKIN Buckner Orchard 1168ft 356m Purple Point Backcountry permits ee k Golden West Visitor Center ek Tr a il Cr y Trail ek Scale varies in this 3D perspective view. in rr A fe EL e Lakeview ek or Weaver Point eh y N v De C re CH vo e Cr St De re KE Tupshin Peak 8320ft 2536m Cr Stehekin Landing LA n pa m o C Creek il SI Cre r lde Tra Mc Gre g Battalion Lake E u Bo ow Ra i n b Rive WILDERNESS k DG kin ek SI High Bridge S T E P H E N M AT H E R ee RI Stehe ) n Cr e (PCT Rainbow Mtn 6040ft 1841m l Tr a i l ek ic Scen Tra il Tra i rail ge T Ca P a c i fi cC re s t i Nat l ona Lake e k Ag s ne ek Cre or es G M Louis Lake McAlester Mtn 7928ft 2416m La Tumwater or 4440 rp le Tr a il Rainbow Lake in LAKE CHELAN N AT I O N A L R E C R E AT I O N A R E A Howard Old Wagon Trail (PCT) A gn ou a nt Bowan Mtn 7895ft 2406m R Pu Sandalee Glacier ow nb ai McGregor Mtn 8122ft 2476m ) Trail Brid ge reek Trai l (PCT C Goode Ridge Trail To Cascade Pass To Rainy Pass Creek To Park Creek Pass Purple Pass 



NORTH CASCADES AND MT. BAKER VISITOR INFORMATION GUIDE South of Fisher Basin North Cascades National Park Recreational Opportunities page 2 Trip Planning and Safety page 3 Baker Lake and Mt. Baker Scenic Byway pages 4 - 5 North Cascades Highway pages 6 - 7 Welcome to National Park and National Forest lands in the North Cascades. Located east of I-5, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy this area with relatively easy access by several major highways. Starting up north: take a drive on the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway (State Route 542). This route starts in Bellingham, winds along the North Fork of the Nooksack River, and, from the town of Glacier, climbs 24 miles to an elevation of 5,100 feet at Artist Point in Heather Meadows. This destination is legendary for spectacular views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and surrounding peaks. For other stunning vistas, follow the northern part of the Cascade Loop along the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20). A side trip up the Baker Lake Road, 16 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, leads into the Baker Lake Basin, which hosts campgrounds, water recreation and numerous trails. The 125-mile Skagit Wild and Scenic River System – made up of segments of the Skagit, Cascade, Sauk, and Suiattle Rivers – provides important wildlife habitat and recreation. The Skagit is home to one of the largest winter populations of bald eagles in the United States and provides spawning grounds for one-third of all salmon in Puget Sound. The North Cascades Scenic Highway travels through the gateway communities of Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount before reaching Ross Lake National Recreation Area within North Cascades National Park Complex. Along the way, visit the North Cascades Visitor Center near Newhalem and many viewpoints above Gorge, Diablo and Ross lakes, which offer pristine perspectives of surrounding peaks. These mountains are home to more than 300 glaciers in the park and over 600 in the ecosystem. Further to the east, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area features the third deepest lake in the nation. Gaze into the clear waters of Lake Chelan as you boat to the remote community of Stehekin and the Golden West Visitor Center. North Cascades National Park Complex pages 8 - 10 Enjoy your visit. Be safe and be prepared. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK COMPLEX MT. BAKER RANGER DISTRICT USFS 810 STATE ROUTE 20 SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WA 98284-1239 Key Partners and Volunteer Opportunities page 11 FIND MORE INFO AT: www.nps.gov/noca www.fs.usda.gov/mbs Banner photo: Courtesy of William Clark. Right: FS. Bottom: NPS/Bender Sidebar photos, from top down: David Snyder for the NPS, Snyder, FS, Snyder, Clark, Snyder EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ 2 North Cascades and Mt. Baker Visitor Information Guide Explore, Experience and Enjoy HIKING TRAILS AND CLIMBING PEAKS Hundreds of miles of trails lead into the North Cascades. Storm damage may affect your trip, so check trail conditions before you leave home. Most long hikes and climbs enter designated Wilderness Areas where special restrictions may apply. Climbers should choose experienced partners or licensed guides. GO FISHING Fishing in Washington, including in National Parks and Forests, requires a valid Washington State fishing license. In the National Forest, Baker Lake is a popular destination for salmon and trout fishing. The Skagit River, one of Washington’s major rivers, is home to seven species of anadromous fish (all five species of Pacific salmon and two types of trout) and freshwater trout and char. Visit the National Park and National Forest web sites for current recreation reports and climbing information. In the National Park, Diablo and Gorge Lakes have been stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Ross Lake offers quality sport fishing opening annually on July 1. Lake Chelan has freshwater cod, trout and kokanee, a land-locked species of salmon. The Stehekin River offers rainbow and cutthroat trout. Comply with special regulations listed in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations, available wherever licenses are sold and online at: wdfw.wa.gov BACKCOUNTRY WATER RECREATION River floating is an excellent adventure to plan. Experienced boaters run National Forest: Backcountry camping does not require a permit, but a Northwest Forest Pass is needed at many trailheads. Campers in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and some areas of the Wilderness must camp at designated sites. Campfires are not allowed in most backcountry areas and seasonal fire restrictions may apply. National Park: Free permits are required for overnight stays in both backcountry camps and cross-country zones and are issued in person only on a first-come, first-served basis. There are more than 200 backcountry camping sites, from boat-in sites to high alpine backpacking sites. Backcountry camping is allowed only at established sites. Camps include pit toilets, tent pads and in some cases, tables and fire pits. Disper

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior North Cascades North Cascades National Park Service Complex Ross Lake National Recreation Area Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boat Camps Hiker Camps Stock Camps Roads Trails Streams International Boundary North Cascades Natl. Park Complex Boundary Provincial Park Boundary Ross Lake Boat Access Camps Camps Green Point Cougar Island Roland Point McMillan Spencer’s Big Beaver May Creek Rainbow Point Devil’s Junction Ten Mile Island Dry Creek Ponderosa Lodgepole Lightning Creek Stock Camp Lightning Creek Boat Camp Cat Island Little Beaver Boundary Bay Silver Creek Hozomeen Miles (km) from Ross Dam Miles (km) from Hozomeen Number of Sites Group Sites Trail Access Boat Dock 0.8 (1.3) 2.4 (3.9) 3.5 (5.6) 4 (6.4) 4.3 (6.9) 4.6 (7.4) 5 (8) 6 (9.6) 9 (14.4) 10 (16) 10.4 (16.7) 11 (17.6) 11.4 (18.4) 21.2 19.6 18.5 18 17.7 17.4 17 16 13 12 11.6 11 10.6 (33.9) (31.4) (29.6) (28.8) (28.3) (27.8) (27.2) (25.6) (20.8) (19.2) (18.6) (17.6) (17) 5 2 1 3 2 7 1 3 1 3 4 2 3 X X X X X X X X 11.8 (18.9) 10.2 (16.3) 2 X X X X X X X X X (19.3) 10 (16) 5 X 13 (20.8) 15 (24) 16.5 (26.5) 20 (32) 22 (35.2) 9 7 5.5 2 (14.4) (11.2) (8.8) (3.2) 4 5 3 3 X X X X 12 X X X X drive-in campground X X X X X X X