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Snow starts to dust the high mountain peaks as we enter fall. Photo by NPS.
September 17, 2026
Autumn is just around the corner, so the days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler. We've had a warm dry September so far and fires are still active in the park. Check the Fire Closures page for the most up to date information. Dramatic changes in weather such as snow are possible at higher elevations this time of year, so be prepared. Golden larches and red huckleberries are starting to turn in the alpine and wildlife is getting ready for winter. Bears are especially focused on getting enough calories to survive. If you see a bear actively foraging on berries or insects, give them plenty of space to eat.
Be diligent about storing your food in an IGBC approved canister or bear locker. If a bear approaches you on the trail or at camp, make lots of noise and keep your packs nearby. Report close encounters to NPS staff. Keep wildlife alive and well by keeping your distance and storing your scented items properly. When given the opportunity to obtain human food, habituation can occur and result in harm to the animal, even euthanization. Be a part of the prevention, not the problem
Backcountry Permits are required year round for all overnight trips in the park and they help us locate you in an emergency. Be sure to check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and closures beforehand. As always, leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry.
Stay up-to-date with road, trail, and camp closures related to wildfire and seasonal winter closures using the helpful links provided. Understand the rules and regulations, including food storage requirements at each camp or cross-country zone, prior to your visit. You can find the backcountry permit process and regulations on the backcountry permit page.
Overnight camping at trailheads in the national park is prohibited. This includes the Eldorado, Boston Basin, and Cascade Pass Trailheads.
Notice: Visit the Road Conditions page for closure updates and up-to-date information on conditions.
The Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area. Stehekin Flood Response Update
Current Trail Conditions
Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew and updated as frequently as possible. Read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available. E-mail us if you have trail conditions to report.
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is a dynamic, natural environment where events and conditions are unpredictable. There is a possibility that trail and campground closures, environmental conditions (such as snow, high stream crossings, etc.), natural events (such as fires, aggressive animals, etc.), or other NPS management actions may impact your trip.
Ross Dam Trailhead at 2100'
Big Beaver Camp 1600'
Beaver Pass 3654'
Hiker, Stock
7/22- Trail cleared of down trees to Beaver Pass.
9/5- The Big Beaver Trail is closed from Big Beaver Stock camp to Stillwell camp.
General: Trail is generally snow-free in spring.
Little Beaver (Ross Lake to Whatcom Pass)
Ross Lake 1600', Stillwell Camp 2500',
Whatcom Pass 5200'
Hiker only from Little Beaver to Stillwell
9/5- The Little Beaver Trail is closed from Little Beaver camp to junction with the Big Beaver trail.
7/24/25: The trail becomes more challenging between the Big Beaver Junction to Twin Rocks. There are numerous large trees to hop over. Beyond Twin Rocks, the trail becomes very challenging or even non-existent for periods in the brush. With a close eye, you can locate old tread in sections, but having navigation devices or apps will be essential. The trail becomes easier to follow at the switchbacks before Whatcom Pass.
Stock animals are not recommended past Twin Rocks camp.
General: The Little Beaver Trail is not regularly maintained and can be challenging to follow.Perry Creek and Redoubt Creek present difficult crossings in early seasons despite foot logs (may or may not be present).
General (2023): Perry Creek Camp signpost is currently off the main trail (a slight reroute), plus old, making it hard to see especially for hikers coming from Big Beaver direction.
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Thunder Creek (Colonial Creek Campground to Park Creek Pass)
Trailhead (Colonial Creek Campground) 1200'
Park Creek Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
9/5- The Thunder Creek Trail is closed from the junction with Fisher Creek trail to Park Creek Pass due to the Thunder Creek fire.
7/30- Trail is cleared of down trees to within a mile of Thunder Basin Stock. The stock Camp inaccessible to stock use due to a large tree in the middle of the trail and the camp.
General: Ford of Thunder Creek north of Thunder Basin Stock can be high or impassable during spring run-off or after heavy rains. Food canisters required for camping at Thunder Basin Camp. No campfires at Thunder Basin Camp.
Thunder Creek Trail junction 1300'
Fourth of July Pass 3500'
Hiker only
5/24- Trail is clear of down trees to Fourth of July camp.
General: No campfires allowed - please bring a camp stove if camping at Fourth of July Camp. Food canisters highly recommended for camping at Fourth of July Camp.
Trailhead 1800', Panther Camp ~2000'
Fourth of July Pass 3500'
Hiker only
5/25- Panther Creek trail is clear of down trees.
General: Panther Camp was rebuilt and relocated in 2012 and is 3.7 miles from the trailhead (~0.5 miles southwest of the old camp). New bridge built in 2013 over Panther Creek.
Easy Pass / Fisher Creek
Trailhead 3700', Easy Pass 6400'
Hiker only
9/2- Trail has been cleared of down trees from Junction camp to Fisher Basin..
General: Trail towards the pass typically does not become snow-free until end of June or July. No camping at Easy Pass.
Park Creek (Park Creek Pass to Upper Stehekin Valley Trail)
Stehekin River 2300',
Park Creek Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
8/19 - The trail has been cleared of down trees to just past Buckner Camp. There are a few small logs down between Buckner camp and Park Creek pass.
General: Park Creek Pass typically does not become snow-free until end of June or July. No camping at Park Creek Pass.
Trailhead 1605', Camp 5560'
Lookout 6108'
Hiker only
8/6- Trail and camp are closed due to the Border 2 fire.
6/24- Desolation trail is clear of downed trees. There was a water source that was still flowing about halfway up.
Food storage canisters required at Desolation Camp. No water at camp after snow melts.
Devils Dome Loop
Trailhead 2000',
high point (Devil's Dome): 7000'
Horse, hiker
6/17/26- Trail along Ruby Creek from bridge to Canyon Creek trailhead is not accessible to stock.
General: Bridge over Canyon Creek is still damaged; hikers must start at East Bank TH or ford the creek if the water level is low enough.
East Bank Trailhead 1800',
Hozomeen Lake (highest point) ~2900'
Hiker, stock
9/5- The following trails are closed due to the Border 2 Fire: Willow Lake, Hozomeen Lake, and the Lightning Creek trail from Willow Lake to Deerlick camp.
6/24 - Trail is now fully cleared. Deer Lick camp still has downed trees and Nightmare camp toilet is destroyed. There is still some damage on the tread East Bank and Desolation trails but passable for hikers. Trail is not passable to stock.
Nightmare bridge is not usable. Be prepared to ford river.
General: Roland Creek can be a wet ford during periods of high stream flows.
Happy Panther
1700 - 2000'
Hiker, stock
5/1- Trail cleared of down trees.
Jack Mountain
East Bank Trail (2000')
NPS boundary (5900')
Little Jack summit at 6750'.
Hiker only
No recent report.
General: Trail is not maintained on a regular basis, some sections can be overgrown, eroded and rough in some places. No water along trail.
Bridge Creek Trailhead 4600’,
NPS South Boundary 2000’
Hiker, stock
8/21- PCT/Agnes Creek Trail is closed from the NPS boundary to Bridge Creek Camp due to the Sisi Fire. 7/22 - Trail is mostly clear of trees. Easily passable by hikers, stock groups should bring a hand saw to have in case of any new down trees. Trail is VERY exposed and has minimal shade. There is no water from Maple Creek suspension bridge to Fireweed along the trail, but there is water at the camps off of the trail. 6/24 - PCT has been cleared of down trees from High Bridge to the Maple Creek suspension bridge.
A new permanent bridge was installed at North Fork Camp in 2025, the trail is now accessible to stock and hikers.
South of the park, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness (USFS): No current report. Due to hazard trees, it is not safe to camp at Hemlock Camp. Alternative camps include 2.4 miles south of Suiattle Pass (just before entering Sitting Bull Basin), Cedar Camp 2.8 miles north of Hemlock Camp, and 1.9 miles up the South Fork Agnes Creek Trail. The bridge over Agnes Creek at Hemlock Camp is out of service.
General: Bears are common along this drainage. Be vigilant about keeping camps clean and use food storage lockers. Report all bear sightings to rangers at any North Cascades National Park contact station. Aggressive bear activity has been reported in all the camps along the PCT, especially Fireweed and South Fork.
Trailhead at 1700', trail ends at 2000'
Hiker only
8/21- Agnes Gorge trail is closed due to the Sisi Fire.
Dagger Lake / Twisp Pass
Fireweed 3900', Dagger Lake 5508',
Twisp Pass 6100'
Hiker, stock
8/5- Trail has been cleared of down trees from Fireweed camp to Twisp Pass.
General: Backcountry permits required for overnight stays at Stiletto Lake; dogs not permitted.
North Fork
2800' to 4200'
Hiker, stock
8/12- There are 30+ trees down on way to Grizzly Creek camp. Trail is brushy after Grizzly Creek and hard to follow after Goode access route splits off. There are stream crossings required to access the northern end of the trail.
General: CrossingGrizzly Creek requires a ford of 3 channels -- all can run high and fast and can be unsafe to ford during early season snowmeltand after large rain events. Trail is often faint and hard to follow in northern-most 2 miles. Grizzly Creek Camp was rebuilt in 2012 south of Grizzly Creek ford. Due to repeated flooding of Grizzly Creek, Grizzly Creek Stock Camp is permanently closed--stock should use Walker Park.
Fireweed 3900', McAlester Pass 6000',
South Pass 6300', Bench Creek 3800’,
Rainbow Bridge 2040’
Hiker, stock
9/13- Trail is cleared of down trees from High camp to Bench Creek, trail is stock passable from High Camp down to Rainbow Ford. The worst mile of washout between Rainbow Bridge and Rainbow Ford camp is now safe and navigable for foot traffic.
8/5- Trail has been cleared of down trees from Fireweed to South Pass and Hidden Meadows camp. Trail is stock accessible to South Pass.
General: Seasonal bridge at Rainbow Ford is removed every fall. Ford may be high or impassable at other times of year.Southern end of this trail passes through the 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire zone. There may be new downed trees between Rainbow Ford and Rainbow Bridge camps.
South Fork 3200’, Rainbow Lake 5630',
Bowan Pass 6200'
Hiker, stock
9/16- The Rainbow Lake Trail south of Bowen Pass is NOT stock passable 7/22- Trail has been cleared of down trees from South Fork camp to Bowan pass.
Fewer than a dozen trees down between Bench Creek and Rainbow Meadows Stock Camp on the Rainbow Lake Trail.
General: Must ford Bridge Creek at South Fork Camp or use foot log.
General: Food storage canisters are recommended for camping at Heaton Camp -- hanging food can be difficult here. No fires allowed at Heaton Camp.
Stiletto Spur / Stiletto Peak
4000' to ~6100'
Hiker, stock
8/11- Trail is in great condition but it is overgrown in sections. You can see the trail the whole time. Two creek crossings that in current low flow are very easy to cross.
General: Route-finding required to reach the location of the old fire lookout on a sub-peak of Stiletto Ridge. Trail receives only light maintenance. Trail fades out in meadows at ~6100'.In Stiletto Cross-Country Zone, which includes Stiletto Lake, CAMPING PERMITS REQUIRED - STOVES ONLY, NO FIRES.
Stiletto Spur: Stock parties have a difficult approach to both sides of ford of State Creek. The foot log crossing over State Creek is not recommended for use. Ford can be impassable after large rain/snow events. Stock parties should use Pacific Crest Trail instead.
Trailhead 3000'
Hannegan Pass 5060'
Canadian border 2000'
Hiker, stock
9/3- The Chilliwack River trail has been cleared of down trees all the way to Bear Creek camp, but trail is still brushy north of the junction with Copper Ridge.
7/12- The creek crossing at the Chilliwack is running high enough that groups should be prepared with good stream crossing tactics. Groups with more than 1 person should be able to ford more easily than a solo hiker depending on time of day. Plan to cross early in the morning and bring trekking poles.
There is a debris flow just east of the Chilliwack crossing that can be tricky to navigate. Use the cairns and flagging tape to follow the trail. Review post fire safety information before beginning your trip.
Bear Creek camp is closed due to fire damage (2021)
General: Cable car over the Chilliwack replaced on 10/2019. Trail is passible to stock to US Cabin. Brush Creek/access to Graybeal Camp is currently inaccessible to stock. Pets and hunting are not allowed in the National Park. Trail north of Bear Creek Camp is abandoned and is a difficult bush-whack cross-country route. Little Chilliwack Camp no longer exists due to the changing course of the Chilliwack River.
8/15- There is no water from Boundary Camp to Egg Lake. The only water on the ridge is at Egg Lake and Copper Lake. There are a couple of snow patches at Copper Lookout, people could melt snow if needed.
8/5- The trail crew logged out the entirety of the Copper Loop. The new landslide on the bottom of the North switchbacks has been further flagged and the entrance/exits were cut out. This has made the travel much more visible through this section.
General: In summer, no water between Boundary Camp and the ridge. Water on the ridge is available at Copper and Egg Lakes. No water at Silesia Camp once snows melt--must get water at Egg Lake (1 mile round-trip). Trail can be brushy at low elevations on the north end of the ridge, near the ford of the Chilliwack River and Indian Creek. No reliable water between one mile east of Copper Lake and the Chilliwack River.
Brush Creek (to Whatcom Pass)
Whatcom Pass: 5055'
Hiker, Stock
9/3- The Brush Creek trail is now fully cleared of down trees to Whatcom Pass. It is mostly brushed. Two large debris flows in drainages have been improved, they are rough but passable.
9/17/25- Brush Creek trail is open to hikers but is not currently stock accessible. Be aware of hazards along the trail and review post fire safety information before beginning your trip.
Graybeal, Graybeal Stock, and Whatcom Camps are closed due to fire damage from 2022-Fire Closures
General: Hard-sided food storage canisters strongly recommended at Whatcom Camp due to limited tree limbs and high animal activity.
Trailhead 3660', Cascade Pass 5400',
Sahale Glacier Camp 7600'
Hiker only. No Pets, No Hunting
9/12- The first water source on Sahale Arm Trail 2 miles up, right before the boulder field, is only a trickle now, but there is a solid amount of flowing water at the campsite from the glacier
8/20- The Sahale Arm Trail is very eroded to Sahale Glacier camp with sections of loose rock/gravel. Bear activity has been high in the Cascade Pass area, give them plenty of space and allow them to graze
7/6- Basin Creek bridge has been installed for the season.
General: Cascade River Road typically does not open to Cascade Pass Trailhead until July 1st- condition dependent.
NO CAMPING at Cascade Pass, Doubtful Lake, and anywhere along the trail. Camping only allowed at designated camps. Trail typically not snow free until mid-July.
Flat Creek Camp is currently closed due to hazard trees.
Upper Stehekin Valley Trail/ Stehekin Road (old road from Bridge Creek Camp to Cottonwood Camp)
Bridge Creek Camp (2200') to Cottonwood Camp(2800')
Hiker, Stock
6/24 - The trail from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood has been cleared of down trees. Trail has been resurfaced for stock and brushed. In general, conditions are still rough but passable.
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Boulder Creek
Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900'
Hiker, Stock
Hooter Camp is closed due to the 2024 Pioneer Fire
9/16- Boulder creek still has about 275 logs down on it from the War Creek intersection to the Rainbow Loop intersection, with most of the blowdown occurring between Reynolds and Rennie camps. There are 16 washouts that make the trail NOT stock passable and several that are dangerous for hikers to cross. All of the washes occurred down trail from Rennie camp, with the most dangerous one being about 1.5 miles down trail from Rennie camp.
General: Lower sections burned in 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire and the 2014 Lone Mountain Fire; the trail can be dry and dusty. Blowdowns are common on this trail due to past forest fires.
Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900',
War Creek Pass 6500'
Hiker, Stock
9/16- Purple Creek trail has been logged out to Juanita Lake but there are several washes that make the trail NOT stock passable, most notably where the trail crosses Purple Creek at about 2 miles in from the trail head. The average hiker could navigate the wash outs.
Summer: Only water source is at crossing of Purple Creek 2 miles from Stehekin. Very slow-flowing spring near Juanita Lake--the lake is stagnant and not an attractive water source in late season.Campfires are not allowed at Juanita Lake Camp--bring camp stove for cooking.
6/2 - Trail is clear of down trees and in good shape
General: This trail begins on Forest Service land and crosses into the National Park: dogs are not allowed in the national park and backcountry permits are required to stay at Sulphide Creek Camp.
Diablo Lake
Trailhead 1200' - max. 2000'
Hiker only
4/30- Trail has been cleared of down trees from the trailhead to the suspension bridge.
General: This trail is an out and back, not a loop. Once you reach the suspension bridge near Ross Dam, you must turn around and hike back to reach your vehicle at the trailhead.
Trailhead 3700', Hidden Lake: 5700',
Hidden Lake Lookout: 6,700'
Hiker only Pets not allowed in the National Park
No recent report. Hidden Lakes Road is damaged from winter flooding, there is a large washout approximately 2 miles up the road near Sibley Creek.
General: 4WD/AWD/high-clearance highly recommended to reach the trailhead.
Backcountry Camping Permits are required past the saddle and down to Hidden Lake. Reaching Hidden Lake requires traveling over a very challenging and steep boulder field.
Food canisters are required in Hidden Lake Cross Country Zone. Pets and hunting are not allowed beyond the ridge or down to the lake.
5/28 - The two creek crossing at the open meadow below 5000' are clear of snow. Snow starts immediately after the creek crossing, with consistent coverage from 5000' to 5300'. The trail goes in and out of large patches of snow on the other side of the ridge dropping down to Monogram Lake, there are many small snow bridges above the summer trail. These should mostly melt out in 1-2 weeks time. The two cook areas are free of snow and the two tent pads are half melted out – enough room for a 2-person tent and can be easily cleared (if snow is soft) for more room for another 2-person tent. Toilet is melted out. The lake is still mostly snow covered except for the outlet area where the camp is.
The trail towards Lookout mountain is also largely snow-free until 5000' where large, steep patches of snow remain. A messy down tree blocks where the summer trail is supposed to be just above 5000'. Hikers should have sturdy boots and poles/ice axe to navigate this section safely.
Lookout Mountain (USFS): Last flowing water source in summer is ~1/2 mile past the trail split to Monogram Lake. A small pool of water is just below the lookout.
General: Pets and hunting are not allowed in National Park. Food canisters are required for camping at Monogram Lake. Backcountry Permits required for camping at Monogram Lake year-round. Look for tent pads and separate cooking areas. Do not camp on the lake shore.
Trailhead at 900'
Sourdough Camp at 5055'
Sourdough Lookout at 5968'
Hiker only
6/29 - Sourdough camp is snow free and trail is snow free until past the camp. Between the camp and the lookout, there are two small patches of snow, with more continuous snow starting about 100 feet below the lookout (5900 feet). The first water source on the trail after the beginning is halfway between the park boundary and the camp. Plenty of water at the camp.
5/27-Pierce Mountain Camp is still under snow, snowline is around 4900-5000ft. Four large tree blowdowns on trail to navigate. No water sources near trail until snowline. Otherwise trail is in good condition.
General: The ridgeline trail can be difficult to follow. Cairns mark the trail just east of the lookout. East of Pierce Mountain Camp the trail is somewhat difficult to follow due to brush and downed trees. After snowmelt, no water available on Pierce Mountain Trail except from pools at Pierce Mountain Camp which will dry up as the summer progresses. Carry plenty of water if ascending the trail from the junction with Big Beaver Trail.
Hard-sided food canisters are required at Sourdough and Pierce Mountain Camps. Pets and hunting are not allowed past the National Park boundary (about 2 miles from trailhead).
Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000',
Thornton Lake 4500'
Hiker only
7/5- Trail crew has cleared the trail of down trees to the junction with Trapper's Peak
6/12- Trail is snow free to Thornton Lake Camp. There are a couple of large down trees but they are easy to get around. Some patchy snow on top of Trapper's Peak.
No Camping at Trappers Peak nor by any lakes. Camping only allowed at designated sites at Thornton Lake Camp. Hard-sided food canisters are required.
General: The trail from the ridge to the lakeshore is steeper than most trails and can be very slippery when wet or icy. Crossing the lake outlet requires crossing a logjam, use caution. Not recommended for families with small children.
4/24- Foot bridge has been installed for the season, trail is clear of down trees.
To access trailhead, park along SR 20 or in the large parking lot past the entrance building in Colonial Creek South Campground.
Trail Name
Elevation and Trail Type
Reported Conditions
Bullion Loop Trail
Trailhead 1500'
Hiker, Stock
5/14- Trail has been cleared of down trees.
Company Creek
Trailhead 1200', leaves park at 2500'
Hiker, stock
8/21- Trail is closed from the trailhead to NPS Boundary due to the Sisi Fire.
General: Must ford Company Creek at 5 mile. Trail is obscure south of Hilgard Pass and difficult to follow due to damage from 2015 Wolverine Fire.
Devore Creek
NPS boundary 2000'
Hiker only
No recent report.
General: Trail south of Ten Mile Pass (to Hilgard Pass) is obscure and difficult to follow due to 2015 Wolverine Fire.
Lakeshore Trail
Elevation 1200'
Hiker, stock
8/5- The dock at Flick Creek Camp is being repaired and is out of service. The camps are open for use via the Lakeshore Trail.
4/8- Trail is open, some areas may be extremely difficult to navigate, especially at creek crossings. Trail is not accessible to stock due to Pioneer Fire damage. Park trail crew is working to reconstruct the NPS portion of the trail following debris flows in winter 2025.
Beginner/intermediate hikers - Consider using the ferry "bump up" to Stehekin from Moore Point. Contact local ferry companies for details on ferry "bump up" processes.
Expert hikers - From Prince Creek to Stehekin plan for a difficult, 8-10 foot steep bedrock ravine crossing at creek crossings.
Visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on how to recreate in a post-fire environment.
General: High rattlesnake activity, particularly on sunny days. Ticks common in spring and early summer. This trail was burned over in 2010 and 2024.
5/5-The footlog at Rainbow Creek is out. There is no stock ford. The Rainbow Loop may be impassable at the creek, depending on water level and ability.
Use the Upper Rainbow Creek Trailhead to access Rainbow Creek Trail above the loop. Use Lower Rainbow Trailhead to access Boulder Creek Trail.
General: Southern end of this trail passes through the 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire zone. There may be new down trees between Lower Rainbow Loop Trailhead and Rainbow Bridge Camp. Trail from Bench Creek to Stehekin can be dry and dusty.
Stehekin River Trail
Trailhead 1200'
Hiker only
5/14- Trail has been cleared of down trees.
General: In 2015, this trail was used as a fire break for the Wolverine Fire--expect to see many cut trees. Trail often floods during spring snowmelt and high-water events. Trail access is from south end of Stehekin airstrip.
Imus Creek Trail
Trailhead 1200'
Hiker only
5/8 - Trail may be extremely difficult to navigate following post-fire debris flows in winter 2025. Some areas may be impassable depending on ability.
General: Trail gradually climbs through a forest for views of the surrounding hills, peaks, and Lake Chelan. The trail ends at Purple Point Campground or continue 0.2 miles along the road to complete the loop and return to Stehekin Landing
