Use caution on access roads: watch for obstructions such as rocks, sudden bends, and parked vehicles/pedestrians.
Safeguard your possessions by keeping them out of sight. Lock your vehicle.
Carry the ten essentials.
Stay on trails. Wear adequate footwear and use a topographic map/compass.
After hiking, check yourself for ticks which may carry Lyme disease.
Horses can startle easily. When stock approach, make your presence known and stand on the lower side of the trail.
Report down trees or washouts to the nearest ranger station.
Do not depend on cell phones as there are many 'dead spots.'
Always tell a friend your travel plans including destination and expected return time.
fees/permits
A Northwest forest pass is required to park at all trailheads and at the Artist Point parking lot. Passes can be acquired at all ranger stations or by calling: 800 270-7504.
Day Pass $5
Annual Pass $30
Federal Golden passports are also honored at NW Forest and park sites:Golden Eagle $65 federal annual pass Golden Age $10 life-time pass for US citizens 62+ Golden Access Free Qualified Disabled US Citizen
wildlife
The North Cascades is home to many species of wildlife from a common chipmunk to a grizzly bear, it is important to keep wildlife wild. Animals can be attracted to food and other scents. Human food is both unhealthy for animals and can lead to potentially dangerous encounters with bears.
Try to have your sleeping area about 100 yards 90 m up wind from your cooking area. Keep sleeping gear free of food odors and cosmetic scents.
Store food, garbage and toiletry items in either bear-resistant canisters available on loan from National Park Service offices or strung up 15 feet 5 m off the ground and at least 5 feet 1.5 m from tree trunks.
Pack out all food waste.
Never feed wildlife.