National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
North Cascades National Park Service ComplexVine Maple
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
Nature & Science
 

North Cascades National Park Service Complex spans the Cascade Crest from the temperate rainforest of the wet west-side to the dry ponderosa pine ecosystem of the east. The Complex encompasses landscapes with over 9000 feet of vertical relief. There results a high diversity of plants, over 1600 species so far identified, and many other organisms adapted to a wide spectrum of habitats.

The relatively new mountains, glaciers and streams of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex lie near a dynamic interface of tectonic plates and provide an opportunity to study geologic processes unfolding through time. Geologists and others, here seek answers to questions of global climate change, mountain building and erosion, volcanism, glaciation, stream dynamics, and more.

Glaciers and Climate Change
Glaciers indicate drastic changes to climate
Climate Friendly Parks initiative calls us all to action.
more...
Fishing Guide
Fishing Guide to the North Cascades
Discover where to fish with your family and learn about what you might catch in the North Cascades.
more...
Silver Glacier
Glacier Monitoring Program
A study of the glaciers of the North Cascades
more...
Researcher
Research Opportunities in Pacific Northwest Parks
A comprehensive manual of natural and cultural study opportunities within Pacific Northwest Parks.
more...
lupine is a common flower in dry sunny areas  

Did You Know?
In addition to Wilderness, Recreation Areas and National Park designations there are also five Research Natural Areas in the complex: Silver Lake, Pyramid Lake, Boston Glacier, Stetattle Creek and Big Beaver Valley.

Last Updated: September 18, 2006 at 09:26 EST