North Cascades National Park - Facilities

Chelan Ranger Station

Open

Open All Year 7:45am - 4:30pm Open weekdays, closed on weekends in winter-closed Federal Holidays

Location

In Chelan, Washington, at the edge of Lake Chelan near the foot of the lake.

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

Daily in summer, 8:00-4:30, closed weekends in winter

Location

In Sedro-Woolley, Washington, along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) about 5 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

Open

Sat and Sun 9:00 - 3:00

Location

Just east of Glacier, Washington, on the Mt. Baker Highway (Highway 542).

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.

Golden West Visitor Center and Ranger Station

Open

Sun Mon Wed Fri 12:30 - 2:00

Location

Several minute's walk from the passenger ferry landing 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.

Special Programs

Arts and Humanities of Stehekin operates the gallery and feature a series of exhibits 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, children's programs, guided walks, bicycle tours and nightly evening programs.

North Cascades Visitor Center

Open

Closed for the winter

Open daily during summer

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

Weekdays October 16 until mid-April

Special Programs

Special presentations available for school and other groups by prior arrangement.

Exhibits

Relief map of the park and surrounding area, exhibit room featuring multimedia exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history. Temporary exhibit about North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (Opens near Diablo Dam Spring 2005).

Available Facilities

Theater featuring large format slide program and video presentation. Several short, accessible interpretive trails and restrooms.

Wilderness Information Center

Open

Closed for the winter

During summer, open daily with extended hours

Phone

Location

The Wilderness Information Center is located approximately 1 mile down Ranger Station Road, which leaves the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) at milepost 105.3 in Marblemount, WA.

Closures

Self-issue backcountry permits and voluntary climbing register available outside the Wilderness Information Center.

Exhibits

Exhibits about wilderness and backcountry travel. Relief map. Sales of books, maps, and other items related to wilderness, hiking, and climbing.

Available Facilities

This center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.