ReservationOvernightHigh Demand

Cascade Pass Zone

North Cascades National Park

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Be notified instantly when Cascade Pass permits become available.

Demand

High

7/10

Method

Reservation

Booking Method

First-Come, First-Served

Cascade Pass Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodReservation

Demand LevelHigh7/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight

Booking MethodReservation

Demand Level7/10

LocationNPS

How to Get This Permit

Create a Recreation.gov account

Know the release schedule

Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.

Be ready when permits drop

Monitor for cancellations

If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

+Longest days
+Warmest temperatures
+Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

!Peak demand for permits
!Book accommodations early
!Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Cascade Pass draws visitors from around the world to North Cascades. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cascade Pass.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →

🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Cascade Pass FAQ

How do I get a Cascade Pass permit?

Cascade Pass permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Cascade Pass?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Cascade Pass permit?

This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Cascade Pass permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Cascade Pass offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

📍Classic view of Cascade Pass
📍North Cascades scenery
📍Trail or route documentation

Other North Cascades Permits

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Reservation7/10

Copper Ridge

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NC Backcountry

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Thunder Creek

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First-Come, First-Served5/10

Ross Lake

Remote lake with boat-in camping....