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Tweeting from the heart of your North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
North Cascades NPS’s Tweets
Due to new snowslides, State Route 20 is closed at mile post 120 until further notice.
Leaves aren't the only things falling today in the North Cascades!
Wet conditions and snow levels below 1,500 feet mean much of the North Cascades is receiving its first significant snowfall of the season this morning. Check for current conditions on the mountain passes.
By shedding its needles each fall, alpine larch (Larix lyallii) survives in habitats most other trees cannot tolerate. #FloraFriday
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The and are announcing the initiation of a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for the restoration of grizzly bears in the North Cascades, where they once thrived. Read more at go.nps.gov/ncegrizzlybear (1/5)
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Fresh snow from the latest autumn storm cloaks the Southern Picket Range.
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The pika is a keen survivalist who stores fresh plants in "hay piles" to use during winter like a well stocked root cellar. #WorldAnimalDay
Can you help find those responsible for recent theft & vandalism in the park complex? Park officials are investigating theft & vandalism at the west entrance portal along SR20. If you have information that could help with the investigation, call 888-653-0009.
This view, looking north toward from Desolation Peak in 1935, captures a vast #wilderness panorama. #history
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The National Park Service protects unique and significant doors, windows, entryways, and gates across the country. A look through the windows in North Cascades National Park Service Complex puts you on top of the world. #FindYourPark
"When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?"
-Michel de Montaigne
To every veteran, thank you for your service.
FUN FACT FRIDAY: Lake Chelan is the 3rd deepest lake in the US at 1,486 ft deep. #lakechelan #noca50 #NPS #sunsetwars #hike #stehekin #wanderwashington #PNW #sunset #pnwonderland #backpacking #pct #FunFactFriday #ncascades #northcascades photo: © JODY ST. CLAIR
1/2 Although the days are warm, there is still deep & lingering snow at high elevations in the North Cascades. With the snowline at 4,000 ft (1220 meters), expect high-elevation trails like Copper Ridge & Sahale Arm to be snow-covered into July.
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Backcountry Permit Reservation System Announced. Details and more info, go.nps.gov/bc-reserve Photo courtesy of Andy Porter Photography ©
State Route 20 is open for the season. Happy travels.
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Today #DaylightSavingTimeEnds and the Lady of the Lake winter schedule from Chelan to Stehekin begins. Trips are now every Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri. Services in Stehekin are limited this time of year, so bring any supplies you need and prepare for gorgeous scenery.
State Route 20 opens tomorrow afternoon, 5/5/21! Remember, there are limited services along the road this time of year, so come prepared with all supplies and pack everything out you bring.
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Mark it! On SR 20 North Cascades Highway, we are wrapping up the final repairs and ready to reopen tomorrow at 1PM. Thank you to the crews for your hard work! If you plan to be at the gate opening, please wear a mask and keep good physical distancing for everyone's safety.
We're going from🍂 to ⛄.
Big weather changes are expected Friday with predicting a strong cold front to bring colder temperatures🥶, snow❄️, and breezy winds🌬️. The snow level could fall to 3,500 with rain expected elsewhere.
#KnowBeforeYouGo #WinterisComing
The pass is open! SR 20 opens today! Remember to check the weather before you head out and that few services are available along the highway for the next couple of weeks. #RoadTrip
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The crew is putting the finishing touches on the roadway and tomorrow will open SR 20 North Cascades for 2022! It was a weird season with more snow at the end than we had in the beginning but the clearing team stayed persistent! How about some applause for the hard working crew!
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Public meetings on #NorthCascades #grizzly bear recovery EIS announced parkplanning.nps.gov/grizzlydeis #grizzlybear
Photo Steve Hillebrand
The work to reopen State Route 20 after it's annual winter closure begins today! The work typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. What day are you predicting the road will reopen?
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The annual work to reopen SR 20 North Cascades Highway after its yearly winter closure begins today! Be sure to follow @WSDOT_East & @wsdot_north for updates. Work typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
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Comment period on #NorthCascades #grizzly bear recovery EIS reopened through October 24, 2019 at parkplanning.nps.gov/grizzlydeis #grizzlybear
Photo USFWS Steve Hillebrand
General reservations for backcountry permits start tomorrow, April 26 at 7 am PDT! Head to recreation.gov/permits/4675322 to make your reservation. Popular camps, such those in the Cascade Pass area are likely to fill up quickly.
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Chilliwack Area Trail and Camp Closure: All trails and camps entering the park complex at Hannegan Pass Trailhead, including Copper Loop, to the junction of Big Beaver Trail are closed due to fires in the area.
More info at: nps.gov/noca/learn/new
We love morning light over #LakeChelan. High mountains like Castle received a dusting of snow last night.
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"If you know wilderness in the way that you know love, you would be unwilling to let it go…This is the story of our past and it will be the story of our future.”
--Terry Tempest Williams
#NPWest
Photo NPS / Jonathan Scherer
The temporary bridge has been installed at North Fork on Bridge Creek Trail/PCT for the summer. This bridge is for hikers only; stock users should use the McAlester detour in 2022.
Get updated trail conditions at: nps.gov/noca/planyourv
#TrailConditions #PCT #NorthCascades
Dreaming of mountain views and haven’t heard back about your backcountry reservation? You will soon. Rangers continue to work diligently to process the remaining reservation applications, but the volume of applications was much higher this year compared to 2017.
A temporary bridge has been installed at the North Fork of Bridge Creek on the Bridge Creek Trail/PCT. Hikers should cross one person at a time. This bridge is for hikers only and the trail will be impassable to stock for the remainder of the 2021 summer season.
#PCT
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Heads up climbers, backpackers, and Ross Lake paddlers! Reservation system in the works. For more information visit, go.nps.gov/mze0d3
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Pikas are very sensitive to high temperatures and without shelter can die when exposed to temps above 78°F.
A2 Looking up at the sheer relief of the North Cascades—peaks rising 6,000 feet or more—always makes us feel a little small, but also how we are part of something much bigger. #NationalParkWeek
As of 6/12/20, the park complex is open for overnight use, including both frontcountry and backcountry camping. More information, including the full press release, is available by visiting: nps.gov/noca/learn/new
You may see or hear a helicopter flying near Desolation & Copper Ridge lookouts today, as supplies are flown in to support fire staff working over the summer. Flights originate in Marblemount & go to each lookout where they will land for about 5 minutes to unload the supplies.
Buckner Orchard’s apples are ready for harvest! Don't miss Harvest Fest this weekend in #Stehekin. bucknerhomestead.org/2017-buckner-o #LakeChelan
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Curious about bears in the North Cascades? Join park wildlife biologist to learn what makes a bear a grizzly bear
State Route 20 is now open for local and essential travel. North Cascades National Park Service Complex remains closed, including all services, trails, and campgrounds. Pack everything out you pack in when traveling through the park.
More information at nps.gov/noca/learn/new
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You've heard of the hoary marmot...but what about the hoary bat? Both can be found in the North Cascades and are called hoary because of their fur's grayish-white coloring. But we think "hoary" could also mean dignified and handsome when applied to this little guy. #BatWeek
With the enactment of the continuing resolution, North Cascades National Park Service Complex will resume winter operations. For more information visit,
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Pikas are a sentinel species, informing us about the influence of #ClimateChange on ecosystems in the western United States.
As of 5/29/20, the park complex will be open for day use only. For more information and the whole press release visit nps.gov/noca/learn/new
Mountain serviceberry flowers blooming along Lake Chelan, in Stehekin, means that summer and berries are almost here.
#FallColors are at their peak in subalpine areas across the park and surrounding national forests.
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Always be prepared for changing conditions when you hit the road this season.
10/9/17 by Justin V. off SR 20 in @NCascadesNPS
10/9/17 by Justin V. off SR 20 in @NCascadesNPS
Curious about bears in the North Cascades? Learn how to coexist in bear country. youtu.be/Fg83_r9vyiE #grizzlybear #bear
The campfire ban has been lifted in the park complex. Please continue to use caution if having a campfire.
Cascade River Rd is now open to vehicular traffic to the El Dorado parking area (milepost 20); areas beyond can be reached by foot.
A week until Halloween...must be #BatWeek! Check out the link for some cool bat facts (of course there are 13 of them...). All week, look for posts from public land agencies, zoos, conservation associations, and bat lovers everywhere! #BatWeek2020 #FunFacts #protectwildlife
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We hope you hang with us for the next week, because today is the first day of #BatWeek! From October 24 to October 31, we'll be talking about all things bats. To kick it off, check out these fangtastic facts from @Interior: doi.gov/blog/13-facts- Photo:@USFWS
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It's #NativePlantAppreciationMonth! Native plants help support pollinators and biodiversity. Check out dozens of free events at wnps.org/wnps-annual-ev hosted by
Much of the North Cascades is still under snow, but some plants at the lowest elevations know its spring!
State Route 20 continues to be closed at mile post 120 near Newhalem. Check out these WSDOT photos of what's blocking the highway beyond the closure.
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Check it out - a 7-minute short about the North Cascades grizzly bear. vimeo.com/156215718
❄️Snow in the forecast from 3000 feet elevation & ⬆️across the North Cascades today. ❄️
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Morning! Rain in the lowlands and snow and slush in the passes. Are you ready for potentially rough traveling conditions today?
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News Release: Bear Creek and Moraine Lake Fires Update go.nps.gov/1bsqjd
Cascade Butterfly Project - 3 trainings coming up, for more info visit, go.nps.gov/sunopv
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If you missed Harvest Fest, plenty of apples remain for you to pick and eat in historic Buckner Orchard.
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The process begins with a 30-day scoping period, during which the public is invited to comment. For additional info on submitting comment and upcoming virtual public meetings parkplanning.nps.gov/NCEGrizzly (5/5)
It’s time for another virtual field trip to the North Cascades! Sign up below to join Ranger Marissa to learn about one of the park’s most elusive inhabitants, the wolverine.
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Join us on Wednesday July 8th at noon to learn about #wolverines, one of the most elusive and fascinating carnivores of @NCascadesNPS with Ranger Marissa!
Register today! ow.ly/FVZd50Ap9s9
Photo: Jeffrey C. Lewis
Temporary Closures for Peregrine Nesting - The est climbing mgmt areas below are closed to all public use from 3/1/19 to 7/15/19 to protect peregrine falcon nesting aeries.
- Newhalem Crag East
- Newhalem Crag West (Ryan’s Wall)
go.nps.gov/159ng0
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Historic apple varieties at Buckner Orchard include Common Delicious, Rome Beauty, & Winesap (pictured). #LakeChelan #Stehekin
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Grizzly bears roamed across the North Cascades for thousands of years as an essential part of the ecosystem, distributing plant seeds and keeping wildlife populations in balance. In the 20th century, humans nearly hunted them to extinction in the area. (2/5)
Campfires Banned in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and Portions of North Cascades National Park
go.nps.gov/6ftuzy
A1 Visit the North Cascades and head to 4 NPS units: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake NRA and Lake Chelan NRA are all part of North Cascades National Park Service Complex—plus the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through! Lots to see! #NationalParkWeek
As of 4/3/20, the park complex will be closed to all park visitors until further notice. SR20 will remain open to just west of the town of Newhalem
go.nps.gov/1a6ppr
Grizzly Bear Restoration EIS Public Meetings - the public’s opportunity to comment on the draft EIS. go.nps.gov/3ch9qd
Hard work produces great rewards. #takeahike #stehekin #purplepass #northcascades http://t.co/EimZMFWDdq
The Seattle City Light passenger ferry between Diablo Lake and Ross Dam is out of service until further notice. Visitors can access Ross Lake trails via the Ross Lake Trailhead parking lot, located off highway 20.
US Park Rangers of North Cascades National Park Service Complex are continuing to search for Alexander Pisch. Please note the updated and more recent photo. If you have information regarding Alexander Pisch, please contact the NPS at 888-653-0009 or nps_isb@nps.gov.
Tell us what you think! North Cascades is considering raising camping fees to better align with other services in the area. For more information visit nps.gov/noca/getinvolv
Please provide your comments between July 27 through August 26, 2020 online at noca_information@nps.gov.
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2/2 If you're hiking into the snow, be prepared with the appropriate gear & skills for snow travel. Leave a trip plan detailing where you're going & when you'll be back with a friend or family member, & pack plenty of food & water.
#PSAR
Photos NPS / Forest Shafer
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Updates for Visitors!
State Route 20 will temporarily close between milepost 134 to milepost 171 at 6 pm, November 3, due to potential avalanche danger.
Cascade River Road is closed at milepost 6 due to a rockslide. The winter seasonal closure at milepost 20.
With temperatures forecasted to break into triple digits this weekend, remember to stay hydrated! Plan to carry at least one liter of water per person, drink that water frequently, and rest in the shade as often as is needed.
#PSAR #BeatTheHeat #PlanLikeAParkRanger
Have you reserved a campsite for summer in the North Cascades yet? Head to nps.gov/noca/planyourv to make reservations for sites along State Route 20 and in Stehekin. Reservations for backcountry permits open on April 26 at recreation.gov/permits/4675322
#PlanLikeaParkRanger
Roadtrip?
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Be inspired by national park-themed display gardens at the NW Flower & Garden Show! #NWFGS #FindYourPark #NPWest
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The McGregor Mountain Fire is now 100% contained and all trails and camps are now reopened.
Autumn color and fresh snow on Sahale Arm during a brief cloud break. NPS/Russell Dalton… http://t.co/Cq0wQDIvqj
It may be cold and wintry, but SR 20 is back open to its usual winter closure at milepost 130 after an earlier closure east of Concrete because of a slide.
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ANNNDDD Sr 20 is officially reopened at MP 91 (east of Concrete).
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If you're off exploring the park this weekend, please note that this hot spring weather and strong sunshine means dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains. Large avalanches could reach roads, so please drive, hike, and ski safely out there. Follow for more updates.
While North Cascades National Park Service Complex remains open, please note that you cannot cross the Cascades on SR 20 at this time or access the park from the east.
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On SR 20 west of Winthrop, fires have intensified and the closure points are now MP 165 to 185. It looks like this closure could sadly last at least a few more weeks.
A new blog post shares more details: wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/multip
#VardenFire2021 #CedarFire2021 #DelancyFire2021
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This process provides an opportunity for the U.S. to actively manage bears in the U.S. portion of the ecosystem as a 10(j) experimental population, providing additional management flexibility for land managers. (4/5)
See fresh #snow on #JackMountain from #RossDam (H/T for the #webcam - wunderground.com/webcams/Newhal)
Recreation Opportunities on Ross Lake Impacted by Low Water Levels for the full release and additional information visit, go.nps.gov/13s7y8
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The vertical scale represents the degree of elevation gain/loss relative to the lookout, with the elevation of the lookout marked as 0.
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State Route 20 has opened to all traffic as of this morning (February 24). The usual winter closure at mile post 134 remains in effect.
Are you waiting to hear about an application you submitted earlier this year for a backcountry permit? Wilderness rangers received 5,000 applications this spring and are hard at work processing them to contact all applicants by May 15.
#FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
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Reservations are now live for backcountry camps for this summer!
If you're looking to camp in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park Service Complex this summer, you can apply now for the Early-Access lottery at recreation.gov/permits/4675322
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No needles = no desiccation by dry winter winds. It thrives and grows tall where competitors, like mtn. hemlock and subalpine fir, cannot.
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Road Closure: Cascade River Road
Due to the Pincer Creek Fire, Cascade River Road is closed at Mineral Park Campground (MP16) by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). More info at