North Cascadeswildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in North Cascades · September
- Wildflowers · Feb–Sep
- Best hiking weather, most trails clear of snow · Jun–Sep
146days to the next wildflowers seasonFeb 21–Sep 10, The National Park Service says North Cascades flowers bloom from late February in the low forests to early September in the alpine
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 34°FTuesday Night, Wednesday Night
- Rain or snow likely · up to 100% chanceTonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:26 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
North Cascades National Park through the year
- WildflowersNowFeb–Sep
- Salmonberry and currant bloom, hummingbirds backApr–May
- Best hiking weather, most trails clear of snowNowJun–Sep
- State Route 20 closed beyond Ross Lake TrailheadNov–Apr
Best spots around North Cascades National Park
- Cascade PassYellow glacier lilies right behind the melting snow, and pink mountain heather; 3.7 miles from the trailhead
- Easy Pass and Fisher BasinWide meadows under glacial peaks: wildflowers in spring and early summer, golden larches in autumn
- Hidden Lake TrailAvalanche and flower meadows of cow parsnip, false hellebore and fireweed
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, North Cascades wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Cascade Pass Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Easy Pass Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, North Cascades weather (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Hidden Lake Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in North Cascades National Park in 2027?
The National Park Service says North Cascades flowers bloom from late February in the low forests to early September in the alpine: Feb 21–Sep 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in North Cascades National Park right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 146 days (Feb 21–Sep 10, The National Park Service says North Cascades flowers bloom from late February in the low forests to early September in the alpine).
When do the wildflowers bloom?
Over a long season: some plants flower by late February and early March in the low forests, others as late as August and early September in the alpine zone.Source: National Park Service, North Cascades wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When can I drive to the Cascade Pass trailhead?
The Cascade River Road typically opens to the Cascade Pass parking lot by the end of June; in heavy snow years, not until early July.Source: National Park Service, Cascade Pass Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Will there be snow on the high trails?
Often into July: the Cascade Pass Trail can have steep snow that needs an ice axe as late as July, and the north side of the Easy Pass Trail usually has steep snow well into July.Sources: National Park Service, Cascade Pass Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Easy Pass Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is State Route 20 open all year?
No. In an average year snow and avalanches close it beyond the Ross Lake Trailhead from mid-November to April.Source: National Park Service, North Cascades weather ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in North Cascades National Park?
Cascade Pass: yellow glacier lilies right behind the melting snow, and pink mountain heather; 3.7 miles from the trailhead; Easy Pass and Fisher Basin: wide meadows under glacial peaks: wildflowers in spring and early summer, golden larches in autumn; Hidden Lake Trail: avalanche and flower meadows of cow parsnip, false hellebore and fireweed.
Are there closures or permits to know about in North Cascades National Park?
State Route 20 closed beyond Ross Lake Trailhead (Nov–Apr).
What is North Cascades National Park like through the year?
Wildflowers (Feb–Sep), Salmonberry and currant bloom, hummingbirds back (Apr–May), Best hiking weather, most trails clear of snow (Jun–Sep) and State Route 20 closed beyond Ross Lake Trailhead (Nov–Apr).