Getting Around North Cascades National Park: Access, SR 20, and Parking

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide North Cascades

One paved road crosses the North Cascades from west to east, and one of its wildest areas is accessible only by ferry. The good news for most visitors is that your car is all you need.

North Cascades has no toll booths on SR 20. You simply drive into the park, which is unusual among major American national parks. For information on which access corridor to take (Burlington to the west, Winthrop to the east) and practical details about the ferry to Stehekin, see our Getting to North Cascades guide.

Getting Around the Park

By Car

SR 20 is the park's only paved route. It follows the Skagit River, passes below the Gorge and Diablo dams, climbs toward Rainy Pass (4,888 feet), then Washington Pass (5,479 feet) before descending toward Winthrop. The speed limit is 55 mph on most of the route, and lower in some sharp-turn areas.

The key thing to know is that SR 20 is closed in winter, generally from mid-November to mid-April. The exact dates depend on the year's snowfall. Before setting out in the off-season, check road conditions on the Washington State DOT website. Our Weather page explains the conditions that affect the opening date.

By Ferry and Seaplane to Stehekin

Stehekin is a roadless enclave. You can't reach it by car or bus from outside the area. The Lady of the Lake ferry connects Chelan (about 3.5 hours from Seattle) with Stehekin in 4 hours on the standard crossing, or 1.25 hours on the fast service (Lake Chelan Boat Company). Service runs daily in summer and less often in the off-season.

Once you're there, a shuttle bus runs along Stehekin Valley Road, an unpaved road stretching about 9 miles, with stops at campgrounds and trailheads. Bikes are available to rent in the village, which is ideal for this quiet terrain. A seaplane also connects Chelan and Stehekin in 20 minutes if your budget allows.

On Foot and by Bike on SR 20

Outside Stehekin, biking is not recommended on SR 20 through the mountain sections. The road is narrow and truck traffic is a real concern. The areas immediately around Colonial Creek and Goodell Creek campgrounds are better suited to short bike rides. For trails, our Hiking page lists the trails you can access directly from the road.

Where to Park: Parking Areas and Lots

Developed parking areas line SR 20 at the main points of interest.

Diablo Lake Overlook has limited parking for only a few dozen vehicles and fills up before 9 a.m. on summer weekends. The same goes for Gorge Creek Falls and popular trailheads such as Maple Pass Loop and Blue Lake. Arrive early or have a backup plan. For the quietest times to visit, our When to Go page offers the least crowded time ranges.

The Colonial Creek Campground, north and south, has a large parking area that also serves day hikers in the Thunder Creek area.

In Newhalem, the visitor center parking lot is spacious and makes a good staging point before you continue east.

As for passes at Diablo Lake, access to the overlook is free, but some parking areas in the adjacent Recreation Areas may require an America the Beautiful pass or a day-use permit. Our Fees & Passes page explains what is required and where, so you don't arrive with the wrong pass.

Distances and Drive Times Between Areas

The section of SR 20 through the park covers about 87 miles between Burlington and Winthrop. Here are a few useful reference points:

• Burlington to Newhalem: 56 miles, about 1 hour.
• Newhalem to Diablo Lake Overlook: 12 miles, 25 minutes.
• Diablo Lake to Rainy Pass: 28 miles, 45 minutes.
• Rainy Pass to Winthrop: 40 miles, 1 hour.

The road is winding, and stops add up quickly. Don't plan to drive the entire route if you also want to hike. Our Itinerary & Timing page offers plans for different trip lengths to help you decide how to spend your time.

Special Cases: RVs, Vans, Accessibility, and Pets

RVs and trailers should check clearance heights before entering. The Newhalem tunnel on SR 20 has height restrictions. Campgrounds also have maximum vehicle lengths, generally around 21 feet. Our RV Camping page lists suitable sites and specific restrictions.

For visitors with mobility impairments, the Newhalem visitor center is accessible. The main overlooks have accessible parking spaces. The ferry to Stehekin is accessible, but Stehekin Valley Road is unpaved and bumpy.

Dogs are allowed in the park, but only on roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. They're not allowed on trails in the national park, although some trails in the Recreation Areas do allow them. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Practical Transportation Info: Fuel, Cell Service, and Apps

Fuel: There are no gas stations in the park. Fill up in Burlington to the west or Winthrop to the east before entering. Don't rely on the gauge for 87 miles of mountain driving.

Cell service: It's nearly nonexistent along the entire SR 20 corridor. You may get a few bars in Newhalem and at the ends of the road, but nothing reliable for real-time navigation. Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps, Gaia GPS) before you leave. Our Map page also offers a printable map of the park.

Apps: The official NPS Parks app provides maps and road-closure alerts and works without a connection. The Washington State DOT website (wsdot.wa.gov) displays current SR 20 conditions, which is useful at the beginning and end of the season.

Road safety: Expect sharp turns, possible rockfalls, and potholes after winter. Follow the speed limits, turn on your headlights in tunnels, and report any debris on the road to the Newhalem visitor center.

Frequently Asked Questions