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Bears ,
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black ,
canoeing ,
Cascades ,
Conservation ,
Glaciers ,
grizzly ,
hiking ,
Hozomeen ,
kayaking ,
moose ,
Mountain Lions ,
mountains ,
North Cascades National Park ,
owls ,
Parks ,
Rafting ,
Recreation ,
Skagit ,
Stephen Mather Wilderness ,
trails ,
Washington ,
waterfalls
Welcome to North Cascades National Park, an oasis of high mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and glaciers located in Washington State.
Park History: The first humans to inhabit this beautiful landscape first arrived here over 8,500 years ago and over the generations members of the Hozomeen, Skukstan, Skagit, Nooksack, Shuksan, Sahale, and Chelan tribes. The visitor can learn a little bit about their history by viewing some of their artifacts at the park's museum or even by seeing the wall art left behind by the Chelan tribe.
In the 19th century some of the first white settlers were drawn to the region's timber and mineral riches which included lead, silver, and gold. By the early 20th century most local mines were out of business although some went back into operation when wars were being fought in order to supply the nation's need for metal. In 1968, North Cascades National Park was established and 20 years later Congress designated 93% of the park as the Stephen Mather Wilderness Area.
Flora and Fauna: The highly diverse soils of North Cascades National Park make it possible for 1600 plant species to grow inside the park boundaries. Some of these include red alders, black birches, vine maples, alpine willows, and ferns with a fossil record of over 300 million years. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include spotted owls, bald eagles, grizzly bears, mountain lions, black bears, moose, and mountain goats. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors North Cascades National Park boasts fabulous rock-climbing adventures, boating and rafting opportunities, over 400 miles of hiking trails, and much more. Come on out and explore!
North Cascades National Park
Washington
United States
48.772370, -121.298375
Map:
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