North Cascades National Park increasing access for day use starting Friday
The North Cascades National Park announced Thursday, May 28, that the complex will begin to increase recreational access for day use beginning Friday.
North Cascades will reopen May 29 with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities according to a news release. In accordance with the reopening, the Washington State Department of Transportation reopened Highway 20.
Beginning Friday, North Cascades will reopen access to Diablo Overlook, Ross Lake Overlook, Gorge Creek Falls Overlooks, trails for day use only, Hozomeen (U.S. side) for non-vehicle day use, all boat ramps and associated water on Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, the Skagit River, and finally, Stechkin marina and public docks.
However, campgrounds, backcountry campsites and visitor and wilderness information centers will remain closed due to public health and safety concerns: The Cascade River Road will remain closed for the season until the snow is removed and the subsequent winter road damage has been repaired.
“We will be glad to welcome visitors back to the North Cascades, but there are challenges in doing so,” said Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich in the release. “Due to the current public health emergency our essential seasonal staff arrived later than usual, and many of the spring activities to get ready for the summer season have been delayed.
“We urge visitors to bring all of their own supplies, including hand sanitizer, face coverings, toilet paper, food, and beverages. Once you arrive, please park only in designated areas, pack out everything you bring, and if you encounter a crowded trailhead or overlook, seek another location to recreate.”
According to the release, the park will continue to be opened in phases.
“While day-use areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased in and services may be limited,” the release wrote. “‘Recreate Responsibly:’ park visitors should follow local area public health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.”
Park visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines from the CDC when visiting North Cascades.