FAQs

Answers to common questions about North Cascades National Park.

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FAQs Details

Some of the most commonly asked questions about North Cascades include: **How do I access the park?** The park is most easily accessed from Washington State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway). **Can I bring my dog?** Dogs are not permitted in North Cascades National Park. Pets are allowed, as long as they are leashed, in the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan Recreational Areas, and in most National Forest areas. **Are there accommodations in the park?** A range of accommodations are available in Stehekin Valley, and at the Ross Lake Resort. The communities of Methow Valley, Marblemount, and Chalen also provide accommodation options. **Can I reserve campsites in campgrounds?** Most campground sites are first-come, first-served; however, reservations for group sites at Newhalem Creek and Goodell Campgrounds and tenting sites on Newhalem Creek Campground Loop C are available through [Recreation.gov](http://www.Recreation.gov), or by calling 1-877-444-6777. **Can I make reservations for backcountry campsites?** No. Backcountry permits are limited, and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. ** Where can I obtain a backcountry permit?** Backcountry permits are only issued from ranger stations and at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount, which typically has the most up-to-date backcountry information. **How much do backcountry permits cost?** Backcountry permits are free. ** What is the best time for wildflowers?** Wildflowers begin blooming as soon as the snow starts melting, and the number of species inhabiting the park means that there are blooms through late September. The widest range of alpine flowers bloom in late July and early August. **What kinds of animals will I see in the park?** There are many species of animals in the North Cascades. Mule and Columbia blacktail deer, Douglas squirrels, pika, swallows, grosbeaks, and owls are the among the most commonly seen, but visitors in remote backcountry areas may spot eagles, bears, fishers, and grey wolves. **Why are the lakes so turquoise?** Many of the lakes get their striking blue color from sediments in the runoff from the glaciers that feed into them. The sediments are dispersed throughout the lake waters, and reflect sunlight differently than other bodies of water. **Can I bring my firearm into the park?** People who are able to legally own firearms are allowed to bring them into the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, but are required to comply with all federal and state firearm laws. Firearms are prohibited in some facilities throughout the park, and are marked accordingly at public entrances. **How can I get my boat into Ross Lake?** To access Ross Lake from the south, you can use the Colonial Creek Campground launch on Diablo Lake, and paddle to the Ross Dam, which is five miles north of the launch. From there, you'll need to portage around the dam (about one mile), or hire the portage service from Ross Lake Resort. To access Ross Lake from the north, take the Silver/Skagit Road from Hope, British Columbia, and follow it to Hozomeen Campground and launch site. ** Do I need a parking pass at trailheads?** Parking passes are not necessary in North Cascades National Park, but many trailheads located on National Forest land do require them. A list of trailheads requiring passes can be found [here](http://www.fs.usda.gov/r6).

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