Exploring Washington’s wilderness through backpacking is an otherworldly experience. With cascading glacial façades and a number of alpine lakes, it’s the ultimate place for backcountry camping. While all backcountry sites require permits, the method to get one and the campsites themselves differ immensely from each park. That’s why I compiled this complete guide to the backcountry of North Cascades National Park.
Definition of the Backcountry
You’re technically entering the backcountry any time you start walking on a trail outside of what’s accessible by vehicle. I like to think of the backcountry as the wildlife’s home and it is just that; an unpredictable, serene way to get in touch with nature. Because the backcountry does not belong to humans, different rules apply while you’re out there and the Leave No Trace guidelines spell those out for us.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
You can learn more about LNT and it’s mission on their website here.
Obtaining Permits for the Backcountry of North Cascades
At any time of year, if you plan to spend a night out in the backcountry in North Cascades you must get a permit from one of the Ranger Stations. Permits are required for many reasons: to keep track of you for your safety, to minimize the impact on the land and resources, to limit the amount of people at a campsite and to offer you the best and safest experience possible while in the backcountry. I recommend visiting the Ranger Station in Marblemount as it’s the only one that issues permits for the entire park.
Check out the backcountry trips I took in North Cascades: Thornton Lake / Green Point
There are two ways to obtain a backcountry permit:
- Advance Reservations:
- Attempts to reserve a spot in North Cascade’s backcountry using the “lottery system” run from March 15 – April 15. Applications are online only here. There is a $20 fee for each application.
- After applying, expect a 1 month delay until you hear about the status of your permit.
- Pick up your permit at a Ranger Station prior to embarking on the backcountry trek.
- Walk-in Permits:
- 40% of North Cascades’ backcountry sites are reserved for walk-in permits only.
- You can only make a reservation for a backcountry trip the day of or day before embarking.
Find a full list of Ranger Stations and which permits they issue here
Important Info about North Cascades NP Backcountry Permits
If you want to do a multi-day trek through the backcountry, you must obtain a permit for each campsite you’ll be staying at. Because of these multi-day reservations, some of the backcountry sites may be booked up for the entire week you’re seeking. If you’re relying on walk-in permits only, the best thing is to not have any expectations so you don’t get disappointed!
For a map of all backcountry campsites in the park, click here
Your time in the backcountry is limited to the dates on your permit. With your permit comes a tag to display in your vehicle while it’s parked at the trailhead overnight. Have your permit visible while in your backcountry campsite. The printed backcountry permit will have pertinent information about your campsite like if fires are permitted.
Need some gear for the backcountry? Check out what I take on every trip here
Arriving to Your Backcountry Site
Like most National Parks, the 140 backcountry campsites in North Cascades are designated, unless you’re embarking on cross country travel (read more about that here). Each campsite is equipped with a flat area for your tent, a pit toilet and water access. The only campsites with established fire rings are those at low elevation.
Upon arrival to your backcountry camp, the very first thing to do is to store all food immediately, along with any scented items like deodorant, toothpaste, hand sanitizer or feminine products. Store your items in one of 2 ways:
- Bear canister: While correct food storage is always necessary in the backcountry, some campsites require you to have a bear canister. These are available to rent for free at any of the ranger stations. If you have one of your own, be sure that it’s on this approved list.
- Food Hanging: This is normally the technique I use while in the backcountry. Bring along a waterproof sack for your food and garbage with at least 50 feet of lightweight cord. Hang any food, trash or scented items in a tree at least 12 feet above the ground and 5 feet out from the limb or trunk.
Protocol within the Backcountry Campsite
As mentioned, the first thing you do when you arrive to your site is to secure away food and scented items to not attract bears and other wildlife. These items must stay hung or in the bear container for the duration of your stay. When preparing food, remove exactly what you will need from the secured pack and then instantly put it away. Do not take any snacks or leftovers back with you to your tent.
Always use the pit toilets! Even if it’s 2 in the morning, you must make the trek to the pit toilet. Wildlife can smell the salts in urine so they will dig up soil to find it, thus ruining the vegetation. While most pit toilets in the North Cascades are privately covered they do smell pretty bad! Be sure to pack out any used toilet paper or feminine products as well.
If you’re unfamiliar with the basic guidelines to follow in the backcountry, read about Leave No Trace, 7 Rules of the Backcountry.
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