Climbing Conditions

North Cascades National Park offers a lifetime of mountaineering objectives.

Winnie Hsieh

 

June 2026

North Cascades seems to have fared slightly better with its snowpack compared to the central and southern Cascades after an abysmal warm winter in the Pacific Northwest. The snowline is high for this time of the year, but there is still a significant amount of snow above 5,000 feet in the park.

Climbing rangers are back in the office and have begun patrolling popular climbing zones. We dug out the composting toilet at the lower bivy site in Boston Basin, so it is now in service for the season! Remember that composting toilets are only for solid human waste and toilet paper – no urine and no trash. Bears have been sighted in Boston Basin, as they regularly are in spring and summer, so please be diligent with proper food storage; you do not want to be the one contributing to an area closure because a bear got into your food!

The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is open seven days a week and is the only location that issue backcountry permits for your climbing trip (check the backcountry permit page for few exceptions to this). Visit the helpful links below to plan your trip prior to your visit.

Conditions in the mountains change rapidly in spring – snow is melting steadily, but new snow can still fall if we experience a typical “Juneuary” this year. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for varying conditions that may slow down your travels, whether that means encountering more snow or less snow on certain sections of your climbing route. As always, leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry. Stay safe out there!

 

Helpful Links

• Planning a Climb
• Road Conditions
• Trail Conditions
• Fire Closures
• Food Storage Requirement
• Backcountry Permit

Closures and Notices

Stay up-to-date with road, trail, and camp closures related to wildfire and seasonal winter closures using the helpful links provided. Understand the rules and regulations, including food storage requirements at each camp or cross-country zone, prior to your visit. You can find the backcountry permit process and regulations on the backcountry permit page. ALL overnight trips in the park require a backcountry permit.

Note:

• Overnight camping at trailheads in the national park is prohibited. This includes the Eldorado, Boston Basin, and Cascade Pass trailheads.

 

Current and General Climbing Conditions

Climbing conditions are reported by climbing rangers, and updated as frequently as possible.

Mount Shuksan

Eldorado Area

Boston Basin Area (Forbidden Peak, Sharkfin, Sahale via Quien Sabe)

Northern Pickets

Southern Pickets

Mount Triumph

Colonial/Snowfield Area

Other Areas