Is North Cascades open right now?
From the NPS
Current alerts
3 closures1 danger4 caution1 information
- Park Closure
Campfire Ban in Portions of the Park Complex
Fire restrictions remain in effect for Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the area of North Cascades National Park located in Chelan County. This includes all National Park Service lands south and east of Cascade Pass, Park Creek Pass, and Rainy Pass as well as the entire Stehekin Valley.
- Park Closure
Hozomeen Gate Remains Closed
Until further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.
More on nps.gov - Park Closure
Fire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp Closures
For closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
More on nps.gov - Danger
Smoke from Wildfires May Affect Air Quality
Smoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
More on nps.gov - Caution
Level 1 Fire Advisory for areas in Stehekin
Chelan County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 Fire Advisory (Get Ready) for areas in Stehekin, Stehekin Valley Road from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge, including Company Creek Road and side roads. Visitors should be aware there is a wildfire in the area. There are park closures in effect. For park closures visit the Fire Closures page. Stehekin businesses are open and continue to welcome visitors outside of the closure areas.
More on nps.gov - Caution
Stehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow Area
The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area
More on nps.gov - Caution
Diablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to Powerboats
Due to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.
More on nps.gov - Caution
Be Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20
Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.
- Information
Stehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin Landing
Visitor and recreational opportunities continue to be available in the Stehekin Valley. Some services are limited at the Stehekin Landing following flood damage in December 2025.
More on nps.gov
Checked Oct 1, 2026, 3:39 PM ET from the NPS alerts feed. Closures can be partial (one road or trail), so read each alert.
Opening hours (NPS)
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
monday All Day tuesday All Day wednesday All Day thursday All Day friday All Day saturday All Day sunday All Day
Before you go
- Entrance: Free entry
- Very quiet (often seasonal closures): January, February, March, November, December.
North Cascades guide: crowds, fees & more →Reservations in 2026 →
FAQ
North Cascades: open or closed?
- Is North Cascades National Park open year-round?
- The National Park Service says: "North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually." Roads, campgrounds and visitor centers can still close for the season or for weather, so check current alerts.
- How do I check closures at North Cascades?
- This page lists the park's current NPS alerts, refreshed hourly. The National Park Service's own current-conditions page for North Cascades is the authority for road status and closures.
- Which months are hardest to visit North Cascades?
- January, February, March, November, December average very few recorded visits (under 2% of the busiest month), which usually means seasonal closures or limited access. That's an inference from NPS visitor counts, so confirm on nps.gov.
Sources · 3
- 1.North Cascades National Park — current conditions · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — alerts · National Park Service
- 3.NPS Visitor Use Statistics — monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (IRMA stats REST service) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior) — Visitor Use Statistics Program
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