Trail Conditions

Photo of Cascade Pass taken from the trailhead on May 21. There is consistent snow on the trail above 4600 feet, be aware of snow bridges and challenging route finding.

NPS

May 22, 2025

A series of spring storms this past week brought new snow accumulations to elevations above 4000 feet across the park. Expect this new snow to melt down as temperatures can fluctuate a great deal this time of year. Depending on slope aspect and sun exposure, you may find patchy snow appearing just above 4500 feet. Be prepared to navigate in snowy terrain and bring proper equipment for safe travels.

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.

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.

 

Helpful Links

• Road Conditions
• Fire Closures
• Food Storage Requirement
• Boating on Ross Lake
• Backcountry Permit
• Climbing Conditions

Closures and Notices

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.
• 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. 
• Closures related to 2024 fires - See the full list on the Fire Closures page.

 

Current Trail Conditions

Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew, and updated as frequently as possible. Please 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 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.

Big and Little Beaver Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Big Beaver / Ross Dam	Ross Dam Trailhead at 2100' Big Beaver Camp 1600' Beaver Pass 3654' Hiker, Stock	5/16 - Trail is cleared from Ross Dam trailhead to 39 mile 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	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.  Whatcom Pass is closed due to fire damage from 2022.

Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails

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	5/16 - Trail is cleared to McAllister 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.
Fourth of July Pass	Thunder Creek trail junction 1300' Fourth of July Pass 3500' Hiker only	4/24 - Trail and camp are snow-free. Few downed logs. Ruby Cross-country Zone - partial closure: all areas that burned in the 2024 Ruby Fire are closed to public access, including the climbing access route on the south of Ruby Mountain. Skier access on the north side of Ruby Mountain from Ross Dam Trailhead remains open. 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.
Panther Creek	Trailhead 1800', Panther Camp ~2000' Fourth of July Pass 3500' Hiker only	5/16 - Trail is cleared from trailhead to Panther Camp.  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	No recent report. Expect most of the trail snow-covered. 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	No recent report. Expect the pass to be snow-covered. General: Park Creek pass typically does not become snow-free until end of June or July.  No camping at Park Creek Pass

Ross Lake/Diablo Lake/East Bank Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Desolation	Trailhead 1605', Camp 5560' Lookout 6108' Hiker only	No recent report. Trail typically remains snow-covered until June. Food storage canisters required at Desolation Camp.
Devils Dome Loop	Trailhead 2000', high point (Devil's Dome): 7000' Horse, hiker	No recent report. Trail typically remains snow-covered until June or July. 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 / Hozomeen Lake	East Bank Trailhead 1800', Hozomeen Lake (highest point) ~2900' Hiker, stock	5/16 - Trail has been cleared to May Creek. 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/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Agnes Creek / Bridge Creek / Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail)	Bridge Creek Trailhead 4600’, NPS South Boundary 2000’ Hiker, stock	5/15- A new bridge has been installed at North Fork camp, the trail is now accessible to stock and hikers. The temporary suspension bridge at Maple Creek has not been installed yet for the 2025 season. 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.
Agnes Gorge	Trailhead at 1700', trail ends at 2000' Hiker only	No recent report
Dagger Lake / Twisp Pass	Fireweed 3900', Dagger Lake 5508', Twisp Pass 6100' Hiker, stock	No recent report General: Backcountry permits required for overnight stays at Stiletto Lake; dogs not permitted.
North Fork	2800' to 4200' Hiker, stock	No recent report General: Crossing Grizzly Creek requires a ford of 3 channels -- all can run high and fast and can be unsafe to ford during early season snowmelt and 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.
Goode Ridge	Trailhead 2200', ridge 6600' Hiker, stock	No recent report.  In Summer: Water only available for the first 1.5 miles. Carry adequate water past this point to stay hydrated.
McAlester Lake / South Pass / Rainbow Creek	Fireweed 3900', McAlester Pass 6000', South Pass 6300', Bench Creek 3800’, Rainbow Bridge 2040’ Hiker, stock	The temporary suspension bridge at Rainbow Ford will be removed October 28.  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.
Rainbow Lake / Bowan Pass	South Fork 3200’, Rainbow Lake 5630', Bowan Pass 6200' Hiker, stock	The temporary suspension bridge on the Rainbow Lake trail is not yet installed for the 2025 season.  General: Must ford Bridge Creek at South Fork Camp or use foot log.
McGregor Mountain	Trailhead 1700' Heaton Camp 7000' Hiker, stock	No recent report. 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	No recent report. Expect snow on Stiletto Peak trail. 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.

Copper Ridge/Chilliwack/Brush Creek Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Hannegan Pass / Chilliwack River	Trailhead 3000' Hannegan Pass 5060' Canadian border 2000' Hiker, stock	The Chilliwack River trail is closed from the cable car to the Northern terminus due to fire damage from 2022- Fire Closures 4/27 - Hannegan Pass Road is mostly snow free. On the Hannegan Pass trail, rangers encountered long patches of post holing snow. Continuous snow starts approximately 3800 feet (3 miles from the trailhead). Hannegan camps and Hannegan Pass are all under deep snow. 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.
Copper Ridge	Copper Lookout: 6260' Hiker only	The Copper Ridge trail is closed north of Copper Lake camp due to fire damage from 2022- Fire Closures  No recent report. 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	The entire Brush Creek trail is 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.

Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm/Horseshoe Basin

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Cascade Pass / Sahale Arm / Horseshoe Basin	Trailhead 3660', Cascade Pass 5400', Sahale Glacier Camp 7600' Hiker only. No Pets, No Hunting	Cascade River Road is currently gated at milepost 20. Foot traffic is allowed beyond the gate but be prepared for snowy conditions.  5/21 - Large snow patches start around 4600' on Cascade Pass trail. Cascade Pass is still covered in deep snow. The Basin Creek Bridge is not yet installed for the 2025 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.

Upper Stehekin Valley Trail/Stehekin Road

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Flat Creek	1700' - 2000'	Trail is closed due to 2024 Flat Creek Fire 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	No recent report.

Boulder/War Creek/Chelan Summit Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Boulder Creek	Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900' Hiker, Stock	Trail is closed due to the 2024 Pioneer Fire 3/30-Trail cleared 1/2 mile past Hooter hiker 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.
Purple Creek / War Creek	Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900', War Creek Pass 6500' Hiker, Stock	Trail is closed due to the 2024 Pioneer Fire 4/2- Purple Creek trail cleared 4.5 miles up from Stehekin Landing 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.
Chelan Summit	Juanita Lake 6800', high point 7440' Hiker, stock	Trail is closed due to the 2024 Pioneer Fire No recent report

Short Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Baker River	Trailhead at 800', trail's end at 900' Hiker only	5/8 - Trail cleared to Sulphide camp  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	5/1- Cleared of down trees
Heather / Maple Pass (Rainy Pass)	Trailhead: 5476' - High point: 6650' Hiker only	No camping at Heather/Maple Pass
Hidden Lake	Trailhead 3700', Hidden Lake: 5700', Hidden Lake Lookout: 6,700' Hiker only Pets not allowed in the National Park	4/30 - Consistent snow around 4200' on the winter trail. Significant cornice releasing on the ridgeline of the lookout summit.Summer trail is typically snow-covered until late June or July. 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.
Monogram Lake / Lookout Mountain	Trailhead 1300', Monogram Lake 4872' Hiker only	5/1 - Some patchy snow started around 3800'. The main creek crossing at 4000' was snow-free. The trail shortly above the intersection of Lookout/Monogram became mostly in snow at around 4300'. Some snow bridges were present over small creeks. Snow in the sun was very wet and soft. Monogram Lake and camp are still snow-covered. The trail towards Lookout Mountain was mostly in snow at the open canopy/exposed traversing section. .  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.
Pyramid Lake	Trailhead 1100', Lake 2600' Hiker only	4/24 - Trail is cleared. Please help protect the Natural Research Area. Camping and fires not allowed at Pyramid Lake or along Pyramid Creek.
Sourdough / Pierce Mountain	Trailhead at 900' Sourdough Camp at 5055' Sourdough Lookout at 5968' Hiker only	Sourdough Mountain trail and Sourdough camp is closed due to the 2023 Sourdough Fire 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).
Stetattle Creek	Trailhead at 900' Hiker only	Stetattle Creek trail is closed due to the 2023 Sourdough Fire No recent report. Expect recently downed trees along the trail, high creek crossings and snow at higher elevations. General: Several challenging trail sections in the first 1/4 mile where the creek has eroded the bank and trail (some scrambling and hand holds).
Thornton Lake	Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000', Thornton Lake 4500' Hiker only	4/27 - Road is in good condition. The creek crossing about 1 mile from the trailhead was rushing but could be cautiously crossed without wet feet on slippery rocks.  Trail is in good shape.  5/20 - The trail is snow free and logged out until 4000 ft. The snow becomes continuous at 4300 ft and is significantly deeper at 5000 ft above the lake. The lake and camp are still covered in snow. 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.
Thunder Knob	1200' to 1875' Hiker only	To access trailhead, park along SR 20 and not in Colonial Creek Campground. 4/24 - Trail is cleared. Temporary bridge has NOT been installed for 2025 season. Take care crossing the creek to access the trail.

Other Stehekin Area Trails

Trail Name	Elevation and Trail Type	Reported Conditions
Bullion Loop Trail	Trailhead 1500' Hiker, Stock	3/31- Bullion Loop trail cleared to High Bridge
Company Creek	Trailhead 1200', leaves park at 2500' Hiker, stock	3/31-Company Creek trail cleared to USFS boundary sign  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	4/13/25- Devore Creek trail cleared to USFS boundary sign  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	3/19/25- Trail is open, down trees have been cleared. Trail is not accessible to stock due to Pioneer Fire damage. Be aware of hazard trees and debris flows in fire scarred areas. General: High rattlesnake activity, particularly on sunny days. Ticks common in spring and early summer.This trail was burned over in 2010, so new blowdowns are common.
Rainbow Loop Trail	Elevation 1200' to 2200' Hiker, stock	3/19/25-Bridge over Rainbow Creek is removed for repairs, there is no stock ford, hikers may use at your own risk. General: Southern end of this trail passes through the 2010 Rainbow Bridge Fire zone. There may be new down trees between Lower Rainbow Loop TH and Rainbow Bridge camp. Trail from Bench Creek to Stehekin can be dry and dusty.
Stehekin River Trail	1200' Hiker only	4/13/25- Stehekin River 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.