Visiting the North Cascades National Park
Located in Washington state, the North Cascades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. It’s set only a few hours away from Seattle and offers ample opportunity to reconnect with nature. It can be tempting to just pack your bags and head out, but before you do, check out the following information that can help you plan a memorable, safe, and successful trip.
Review The Weather
Chances are you’re not going to want to go to North Cascades National Park when the weather is awful, so check what the weather is at that location when you’re planning on going before you pack up the car. Generally speaking, the best weather there is usually from mid-to-late summer into fall. Regardless of when you go, be prepared for anything—such as rain—anyway just in case.
Check The Alerts
Before you head out to North Cascades National Park, review the National Park Service (NPS) site to see if there are any alerts. You don’t want to get all the way there only to find out that the area you were planning on exploring is closed to visitors.
Choose Your Activities
There are plenty of activities to do when you’re visiting the North Cascades National Park so if you’re looking to stay busy and involved in nature there are numerous options to consider. For example, you can go hiking, go fishing, camp under the stars, ride your bike, have a picnic, sit and relax while reading a book, or just go for a leisurely walk. If you’re planning on taking your pet with you, note that they are only allowed in certain areas, so it’s something you’ll want to look into before going. However, your pet must be on a leash at all times.
Consider Camping
When it comes to camping in the North Cascades National Park, there are campgrounds that are first-come, first-serve while others require reservations. Check to learn which category the campground you’re interested in staying at falls under. Also, don’t forget to make sure that the information you have is up-to-date and that the campground didn’t switch over to a reservation system or vice versa.
Practice Hiking Safety
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay on the marked trails while you’re hiking. Before you go, you’ll also want to check out the trails you’re interested in to see if they match your hiking skill level. Also, while you’re hiking the trails, don’t pick any plants and if you’re taking pictures do so in a safe manner. As always after going hiking, don’t forget to check yourself for ticks or any strange marks on your skin.
Know someone who lives in Washington and has been to the North Cascades National Park or has at least visited there from out of state? Reach out and ask them for advice about what to see and do while you’re there. It will be a great way to get personalized advice that you can take with you on your trip.
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