In association with Hikercentral.com
and Goingoutside.com
In association with Hikercentral.com
and Goingoutside.com
Backcountry camping is a lot of fun if you're well prepared, I made this site to help you out a little in that department.
Hiking without the items below is not a good idea.
| There are two kinds of hikers, those who wouldn't use anything else than a Trailstove and those who have never tried it. It has the lowest pack weight in the world even though it's based on ancient concepts. It simply burns wood, and it works great. | CAMP STOVE | |
| Always bring one of those little first aid kits in case you get injured. | MEDICAL KIT | |
| You have to try several different backpacks before you find one that fits you. | BACK PACK | |
| The only way to totally avoid mosquitoes is to go hiking in the winter, but in the summer you need to use mosquito coils. | BUG PROTECTION | |
| Steel wire may save you a lot of trouble, it can be used to temporarily fix almost anything. | STEELWIRE | |
| Water is much more important than food in an emergency, you can go for weeks without food but without water you could be dead in a couple of days. | WATER |
DEADFALL TRAP
This type of trap is very effective but it will kill the animal that gets caught in the trap, so if you decide not to eat it you killed an animal for nothing. Only make a deadfall trap in an emergency.
You need the following things: A heavy log, a round rock, a sturdy stick about 1 to 2 feet long, a thinner stiff stick about a foot long.
Lift one end of the log up and support it with the sturdy stick. The sturdy stick in turn should be standing on top of the round rock. One end of the smaller stiff stick is placed between the rock and the sturdy stick, the other end should be suspended in the air right under the log, the stiff stick should be roughly horizontal.
Carefully place the bait on the stiff stick.
To make the trap
more stable and more difficult to trigger you can cut the part of the stiff bait
stick flat where it rests between the rock and the sturdy stick. You can also
cut the bottom of the sturdy stick flat, it all depends on what size animal you
are trying to kill.
Sedro-Woolley, WA
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. North Cascades National Park contains some of America's most beautiful scenery -- jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers -- within its 505,000 acres (202,000 hectares). Ross Lake National Recreation Area (118,000 acres, 47,200 hectares) is the corridor for scenic Washington State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, and includes three reservoirs: 12,000-acre (4,800-hectare) Ross Lake, 910-acre (364-hectare) Diablo Lake, and 210-acre (84-hectare) Gorge Lake -- water gateways to more remote areas. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (62,000 acres, 24,800 hectares) rests in a glacially carved trough in the Cascades Range. Lake Chelan is one of the nation's deepest, reaching a depth of 1,500 feet (450 meters). It offers boating, fishing, and lakeshore camping. The average width is less than two miles (3.2 kilometers), but Lake Chelan extends 50 miles (83 kilometers) into the Cascade Mountains. The lake's northernmost four miles (6.4 kilometers) are in the National Recreation Area, including the remote community of Stehekin and the Stehekin River Valley.
Over 93% of the three areas comprising the Complex are included in the Stephen Mather Wilderness, established in 1988 (Public Law 100-668). This Wilderness was named in honor of the first director of the National Park Service.
CONTACTS
Email - NOCA_Interpretation@nps.gov
Fax- 360-856-1934
Write to
North Cascades National Park
810 State Route
20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-1239
Phone
Headquarters - 360/856-5700
Visitor Information -
360/856-5700
TRAVEL BASICS
Operating Hours,
Seasons
The park and recreation areas are always open, but access
is limited by snow in winter. Note that State Route 20 (North Cascades
Scenic Highway), the major access to Ross Lake NRA, is partially closed
from approximately mid-November to mid-April. Exact opening and closing
dates depend on weather, snow depths, and avalanche hazards.
Getting There
PLANE - Nearest major airport is Seatac near
Seattle, Washington. Chelan Airways (509/682-5555)provides floatplane
access to Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
CAR - Access to the North Cascades and Ross Lake area is from I-5 at Burlington, west of the mountains, and Twisp, on the east, following Washington State Route (SR) 20 with branch routes to Baker Lake (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)and the Cascade River. The park and recreation areas are always open, but access is limited by snow in winter. Note that State Route 20 (North Cascades Scenic Highway), the major access to Ross Lake NRA, is partially closed from approximately mid-November to mid-April. Exact opening and closing dates depend on weather, snow depths, and avalanche hazards. Two roads, both gravel, enter North Cascades National Park itself: 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. There are no road connections to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (access by trail, passenger ferry, and floatplane.) The only road access to the shore of Ross Lake is via the Silver-Skagit Road (gravel) from near Hope, British Columbia.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - The "LINK" public bus system in Chelan County connects to the passenger ferry at Chelan (Lake Chelan Boat Company) which goes to Stehekin Landing in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area at the opposite end of the lake. The "SKAT" public bus sytem in Skagit County once per day goes to Newhalem in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Contact the park (360/856-5700 ext.515) for more information. Very little of the park is accessible via public transportation.
Weather & Climate
Generally, the best weather for
visiting the North Cascades occurs between mid-June and late-September.
Snow is usually off all but the highest trails by July (though this can
vary greatly from year to year). Summer storms can be common: always be
prepared for a few days of rain and wind. Particularly if you are going
into high and remote areas, take good, light rain gear and a tent. Warm,
waterproof clothing and a tent are virtually mandatory for spring, fall
and winter trips into the backcountry. Heavy snow and rain, depending on
elevation, characterize the North Cascades from fall into spring.
Avalanches are common in winter and spring in the higher country and in
places along the North Cascades Highway. The east side of the Cascade
Mountains (such as Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is
drier and warmer in the summer than the west side (such as the portion of
Ross Lake National Recreation Area along the North Cascades Highway).
Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F. Winter at Stehekin and
at all elevations above the lowest throughout the park complex is snowy
from fall into spring.
Accessibility
The North Cascades Visitor Center,
Sedro-Woolley information station, and Wilderness Information Office are
fully accessible. The approach to the Golden West Visitor Center is an
unpaved, sloping path which can be negotiated with assistance. There is a
ramp into the center itself. The Sterling Munro Trail at the North
Cascades Visitor Center and the Happy Creek Forest Walk at milepost 135 on
S.R.20 are fully accessible boardwalk paths. The latter is a 1/3 mile (1/2
kilometer) loop through ancient forest. The River Loop Trail, Linking
Trail and Newhalem Creek Rockshelter Trail, all in the vicinity of the
North Cascades Visitor Center, are accessible trails with good surfaces
and less than 10% grade throughout. The Rockshelter Trail ends in a
boardwalk providing a view and interpretation of an archeological site.
East of Newhalem along the North Cascades Highway is the Gorge Overlook
Trail, a portion of which is paved and fully accessible and the remainder
of which is accessible at a challenge level or with assistance. There are
accessible campsites and restrooms in the park's campgrounds along State
Route 20 and an accessible picnic shelter near the Goodell Creek
Campground.
Getting Around
The N. Cascades Hwy goes through Ross Lake
National Recreation Area. Cascade River Road leaves S.R.20 at Marblemount,
WA, to more trailheads. Bus services in the Stehekin Valley (Lake Chelan
National Recreation Area)are provided by the NPS and the Stehekin
Adventure Company. Service from Stehekin Landing to High Bridge (11
miles/18 km), is available May 19 through October 15, 2000. NPS bus
service from High Bridge 4.6 miles to Bridge Ck (Pacific Crest Trail)
begins June 16, snow and road conditions permitting. It is anticipated
that the service will begin operating to Glory Mountain (20.1 miles from
the Landing and the present end of the road) July 1. From there hike 11.2
miles (17.9 km)over Cascade Pass to the Cascade River Rd. There are many
trailheads and camps along the Stehekin Valley Road. Reservations not
needed for the Stehekin Adventure bus but highly recommended (required May
19 - June 15) for the NPS shuttle buses due to smaller capacity. To
reserve, call (360) 856-5700 ext. 340, then 14. One-way fares for either
bus: $5/adult;$3/child (12 and under) between Stehekin Landing and High
Bridge. An additional $5/adult, $3/child, $3/bicycle each way for the
shuttle bus between High Bridge and Bridge Crk or Glory Mtn. Reservations
can also be made in person at visitor centers or when obtaining
backcountry permits. For transportation schedule, see
http://www.nps.gov/noca/focus/shuttlesched.htm. 93% of the park complex is
Wilderness with 386 miles of trail.
FEES/PERMITS
Activity Fee
LAKE CHELAN
DOCK FEE PASS
$5.00 for Day
$40.00 for Annual
Between May 1 and October 31 each year, boaters must have a Dock Fee
Permit in order to use the docks in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
This is the same permit needed for using the docks provided by the U.S.
Forest Service along other parts of the Lake Chelan shoreline. Can be
obtained at Chelan Ranger Station and several stores in Chelan and
Stehekin, Washington.
NORTHWEST FOREST PASS
$5.00 for
Day
$30.00 for Annual
Pass required for parking anywhere
along the North Cascades National Park portion of the Cascade River road
or at the following trailheads in Ross Lake National Recreation Area:
Thornton Lakes, Pyramid Lake, Ross Dam, East Bank, Panther Creek. The pass
is also required for parking at trailheads in the adjacent national
forests. It can be bought at park or forest stations or by calling
1/800-270-7504.
WILDERNESS PERMIT
Free!
A free Wilderness
Permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry of the North
Cascades National Park Service Complex. The principal places to obtain
these are the Wilderness Information Station in Marblemount, Washington,
and the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin, Washington.
CAMPING
Additional
Campgrounds
Campgrounds in Ross Lake National Recreation Area and
in nearby portions of the Okanogan and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National
Forests.
For More Information on this campground please call
360/856-5700 ext. 515
Colonial Creek Campground
Located
in old growth forest on the shore of Diablo Lake. 162 sites, some fully
accessible. Fee: $12/night. Boat ramp. Dump station. Potable water. No
firewood collecting but firewood can be purchased during summer. Trailhead
(Thunder Creek Trail). Nightly amphitheater programs in
summer.
Goodell Creek Campground
Open All Year
Located
in old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. 21sites. Raft/kayak
launch and covered picnic shelter naerby. Fee: $10/night. Potable water
from Spring into Fall. No firewood collecting but firewood can be
purchased at nearby Newhalem Creek Campground during summer.
For
More Information on this campground please call Not plowed in winter.
Newhalem Creek Campground
Just off the North Cascades
Highway near milepost 120 and across the Skagit River. Visitor Center and
complex of short interpretive trails nearby. Nightly fee: $12. Potable
water, dump station. Firewood collecting prohibited. Firewood available
for sale in summer. Ranger-presented evening programs in campground
amphitheaters weekends in summer. Group camp (reservations needed and
picnic area nearby).
LODGING
North Cascades
Stehekin Lodge
Open All Year
Concession-operated lodge at
Stehekin Landing near the head of Lake Chelan. Reached via passenger
ferry, floatplane or trail. No direct road access. Rooms, restaurant,
snack bar, small store. NPS visitor center and ranger station
nearby.
For More Information on this lodging please call
509/682-4494
Ross Lake Resort
Open From 06/08/2001 To
10/28/2001
Concession-operated housekeeping cabins on floats moored
near the lower end of Ross Lake. Rental canoes, kayaks, and small outboard
motor boats. Fishing licenses available for purchase.
For More
Information on this lodging please call (206)
386-4437
Stehekin Valley lodging on private lands
A
variety of B&B's, cabins, and lodge accommodations are available on
private property in the Stehekin Valley within Lake Chelan National
Recreation Area. Access to Stehekin is via passenger ferry or float plane
from Chelan or by trail.
For More Information on this lodging
please call No phones
FACILITIES
CHELAN
RANGER STATION
Open All Year 7:45 am - 4:30 pm
Phone -
509/682-2549
Location - In Chelan, Washington, at the edge of
Lake Chelan near the foot of the lake.
Closures - Closed
weekends from September to mid-June.
Available Facilities - This
is an office of the Wenatchee National Forest where information can be
obtained concerning Lake Chelan National Recreation Area at the other end
of 50-mile long Lake Chelan. Information counter. Sales of books, maps,
and other items related to the national forest, park and recreation area.
NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTERS INFORMATION
STATION
Open All Year 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location - In
Sedro-Woolley, Washington, along the North Cascades Highway (State Route
20) about 4 miles east of I-5. One and one-half hours north of
Seattle.
Closures - Closed weekends from mid-October until
Memorial Day weekend.
Special Programs - This station is
operated jointly with the Mt. Baker District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie
National Forest, which adjoins North Cascades National Park to the
west.
Exhibits - Relief map of the park and adjacent national
forests.
Available Facilities - Information desk. Sales area
with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and
adjacent national forests.
Visitor Centers
GLACIER PUBLIC
SERVICE CENTER
Phone - 360/599-2714
Location - Just
east of Glacier, Washington, on the Mt. Baker Highway (Highway
542).
Closures - Closed from Fall into Spring.
Exhibits -
Relief map of Mount Baker and exhibits on the natural and cultural
history of the Mt. Baker District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National
Forest.
Available Facilities - At this U.S. Forest Service
station on the road to Mt. Baker and to trailheads accessing North
Cascades National Park, backpackers and climbers can obtain the free
Wilderness Permit required for overnight stays in the park's backcountry.
Sales of books, maps, and other items related to the area.
NORTH
CASCADES VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year
Phone - 206/386-4495
ext.11
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.
Closures - Open
9:00 am - 4:30 pm daily from Sept. 23 - Nov. 12. Open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
weekends only from mid-November to mid-April
Special Programs -
Daily ranger talks, children's and other programs in summer. Special
programs during Earth Week (April), International Migratory Bird Week
(May), etc. Special presentations available for school and other
groups.
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, campground, group camp, and picnic area nearby.
Restrooms.
PURPLE POINT INFORMATION STATION
Phone -
360/856-5700 x340 then 14
Location - At Stehekin Landing near
the north end of 50-mile long Lake Chelan. Reached via passenger ferry,
trail, or float plane. No road connections outside the
area.
Closures - Closed from mid-October to mid-March. The
Purple Point Information Station is a tempory facility during the
renovation of the Golden West Visitor Center in 2001.
Special
Programs - The Golden West Gallery, operated by the Arts &
Humanities of Stehekin and located in the Purple Point Information Station
this year is featuring an exhibit of work by local artists and crafts
people.
Exhibits - Relief map and exhibits on natural and
cultural history of the area.
Available Facilities -
Information desk, sales of books, maps, and other items related to the
area. Obtain free backcountry permits here for trips into the park's
wilderness. Audiovisual program available throughout the day. Daytime
short talks. In summer, daily children's programs and nightly evening
programs.
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