Washington's North Cascades National Park, home to the Lodge at Stehekin, is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. From the temperate rainforest of the wet west side to the dry ponderosa pine of the east, the park encompasses nearly 800 square miles of breathtaking, unspoiled wilderness.

How long is the ferry ride to Stehekin?

The Lady Express can accommodate up to 130 passengers and offers a faster trip on the lake, making the cruise to Stehekin in 2.5 hours. The Lady Express may be a faster boat, but you can still enjoy the views and narration.

What towns are near North Cascades National Park?

• LYNDEN. Just 5 miles south of the U.S.–Canada border, this decorous Dutch-influenced town is known for its churches, windmill and many festivals. ...
• LA CONNER. ...
• BURLINGTON. ...
• CONCRETE. ...
• BELLINGHAM.

What is considered the North Cascades?

The North Cascades are a section of the Cascade Range of western North America. ... They span the border between the Canadian province of British Columbia and the U.S. state of Washington and are officially named in the U.S. and Canada as the Cascade Mountains.

Are there grizzly bears in the North Cascades?

Grizzly bears are very rare residents in North Cascades. North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area encompass some of the wildest areas in the contiguous United States. The rugged mountains provide wonderful habitat for black and grizzly bears.

The Stehekin Valley at North Cascades National Park

Where are the North Cascade mountains?

The Cascade Range is part of a vast mountain chain that spans for over 500 miles, from Mount Shasta, in northern California to British Columbia in the north. The beautiful North Cascade Range, located in northwestern Washington State, has some of the most scenic, and geologically complex mountains in the United States.

What are the major cities of the Cascade Range?

• Seattle, Washington. Just a couple of hours from several major outdoor recreation areas in the Cascades, Seattle is an excellent option for visitors looking to explore all that the Cascades have to offer. ...
• Leavenworth, Washington. ...
• Mt. ...
• Stevens Pass Washington Ski Resort.

What is the climate of the Cascade Mountains?

The climate west of the Cascade Mountains is influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. Winters are mild, and rainfall is frequent and at times heavy. ... The climate east of the Cascades is markedly different, a continental climate of cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.

Can you drive Stehekin?

With no roads connecting Stehekin to the rest of the world, be prepared to take a boat, plane, horse, or your own 2 feet to get here. The majority of our guests travel via passenger ferry on 55 mile Lake Chelan.

Can you take your car to Stehekin?

The journey to Stehekin is half the fun of vacationing here, but DO YOU HOMEWORK before starting your trip! You will NOT be driving your car to my cabin. There are no roads connecting Stehekin to the rest of the world. Plan to park your car and finish the journey by boat, plane, or walking on your own two feet!

How do you get to North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin?

To get to Stehekin our guests must plan to take The Lady of the Lake (boat ferry) OR the Stehekin Ferry from Chelan, or make the beautiful 23 mile hike from Highway 20 to High Bridge where you hop on the red bus to Stehekin.

How long does it take to drive through North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park has no entrance fee. How Long: At least 2-3 hours, just to drive through with no stops. Do plan time for a few stops! Amenities: Visitor centers with restrooms, picnic areas, camping, limited dining and lodging options.

How many days North Cascades National Park?

You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. Of course, more time is always better. With one day in North Cascades National Park, drive North Cascades Highway, visit the overlooks, and do one or two hikes. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob.

What is North Cascades known for?

Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers — more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska.

What kind of mountains are the Cascades?

The Cascade Range or Cascades is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades.

Where do the Cascade Mountains start and end?

Cascade Range, segment of the Pacific mountain system of western North America. The Cascades extend northward for more than 700 miles (1,100 km) from Lassen Peak, in northern California, U.S., through Oregon and Washington to the Fraser River in southern British Columbia, Canada.

Why are the Cascade Mountains important to the climate of the Pacific Northwest?

The Cascades create a barrier between the maritime climate influences to the west, where temperatures are generally mild year-round, and the continental climate influences to the east, with more sunshine and larger daily and annual ranges in temperature.

Is the Cascade Range the same as the Cascade Mountains?

The Cascade mountain system extends from northern California to central British Columbia. In Oregon, it comprises the Cascade Range, which is 260 miles long and, at greatest breadth, 90 miles wide (fig. 1).

Why is North Cascades a national park?

North Cascades National Park, large wilderness area in northwestern Washington, U.S. The park was established in 1968 to preserve majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, and other unique natural features in the North Cascade Range.

Where are the Canadian Cascades?

The Canadian Cascade Arc, also called the Canadian Cascades, is the Canadian segment of the North American Cascade Volcanic Arc. Located entirely within the Canadian province of British Columbia, it extends from the Cascade Mountains in the south to the Coast Mountains in the north.

Are there wolves in North Cascades National Park?

Among the rare animals living in the North Cascades Mountains is one that may surprise you - the wolf. North Cascades National Park and its neighboring public lands in Washington and British Columbia are an impressive expanse of wild country.

Does human urine attract bears?

Yes, Bears Do Seem to Be Attracted to Human Urine

It isn't entirely clear why, but bears do seem to be attracted to human urine. If a bear smells that human urine scent, then it's likely going to come to check it out if it happens to be nearby.