You are here

Home » Reservations For Backcountry Use Coming To North Cascades National Park

Reservations For Backcountry Use Coming To North Cascades National Park

Share

Published Date

December 9, 2016

Copper Ridge is a popular backpacking trip within North Cascades National Park/NPS

With walk-up backcountry permits tougher to come by as visitation has increased, North Cascades National Park recently announced that it will launch a pilot program in the spring to accept reservations for popular areas.

Crowded trails and full campgrounds have greeted visitors to the park, which is three hours outside Seattle on the Canadian border. When all the first-come, first-served permits were exhausted, visitors could be turned away from certain areas after making the long trip to the park complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

“We have been listening! Backcountry visitation has been increasing for the past several years and permits have become more difficult to obtain in certain parts of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex,” the park said on its website, noting that more information will be available in February. “We are pleased to announce that we anticipate starting a pilot program this spring to allow reservations for a portion of the most popular areas of the park.”

From coast to coast, reservation and quota systems are being implemented as the National Park Service faces record visitation. In Maine, Acadia National Park is developing a transportation plan, with a reservation system and car quotas on the table. Last month, Haleakala National Park in Hawaii announced it will require reservations to view sunrise from the mountain’s summit.

At North Cascades, areas under consideration for reservations include Ross and Diablo lakes, the East Bank Trail, camps in the Cascade Pass area (including Sahale Glacier Camp), Copper Ridge, the lower Stehekin Valley, and high-use climbing areas such as Boston Basin, Eldorado, and Mount Shuksan. Some campsites in all areas of the complex, whether a reservation is available or not, will be set aside for free, walk-up permits.

Currently, free permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the backcountry. However, they were only available in person, no earlier than the first day of the trip, and first-come, first-served. The park said the reservation system will require a fee to be charged for “cost recovery.” At Haleakala, the “free” permit to view sunrise costs $1.50 via recreation.gov.

Related Stories:

Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk
USFWS To Keep Grizzlies Under Endangered Species Act Protection

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.