North Cascades · October · Washington

North Cascades National Park in October

October is a good month to visit North Cascades National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 57°F and lows 43°F, with about 7.06 inches of rain.

October gets a good rating at North Cascades. The very best months are Jul–Sep.

Full park guideAll parks in October
RatingGood
CrowdsModerate
Avg high / low57°F / 43°F
Rain7.06 in

What to expect

October is good at North Cascades. Late September into early October brings golden larches along the highway near Washington Pass and Maple Pass, just outside the park boundary.

Local tip

Most visitors see the park from State Route 20. For the real backcountry, hike Cascade Pass or take the boat up Lake Chelan to Stehekin.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
  • Closest airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5 hours.
  • Before you go: No entrance fee. State Route 20 has a seasonal winter closure; check WSDOT for opening dates. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day North Cascades itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is October a good time to visit North Cascades National Park?

October is a good month to visit North Cascades National Park. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 57°F and lows 43°F, with about 7.06 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in North Cascades National Park in October?

Highs average 57°F and lows 43°F, with about 7.06 inches of rain. October is rated good for visiting.

How crowded is North Cascades National Park in October?

Crowds are moderate in October.