Riding here
The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) is one of the great bike-touring roads of the West, climbing out of the Skagit River gorge past turquoise Diablo Lake through the park complex. On the other side of the mountains, the Stehekin valley at the head of Lake Chelan has no road connection at all: you arrive by boat, and the lower valley road is a quiet, leisurely ride.
Where you can ride
Bikes may use all roads open to public vehicles, including SR 20 and Stehekin Valley Road.
Where you can't
No bikes on trails.
Rides
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North Cascades Highway (SR 20)
- Road
- Through Ross Lake National Recreation Area
- Paved
- Hard
Steep, sometimes busy climbs out of the Skagit gorge with little shoulder and limited sight lines. Remote: carry food, water and tools.
Start: Newhalem or Marblemount
-
Stehekin Valley Road
- Road
- Lower valley
- Paved and gravel
- Easy
A quiet ride up a roadless valley reached only by boat or floatplane from Chelan.
Start: Stehekin Landing
When to go
SR 20's mountain section is closed in winter (typically November to spring). Summer is the season.
Safety
Night riding requires a white front light visible at 500 feet and a red rear reflector. Pack rain gear, warm layers and spares; weather changes quickly.
E-bikes
The park's own bicycling page doesn't spell out e-bike rules. Under the NPS e-bike rule (36 CFR 4.30), an e-bike with working pedals and a motor under 750 watts is generally allowed where regular bikes are, and riding on the motor alone is barred anywhere cars can't go. Parks can restrict them, so confirm with the park before you bring one.
Fees
No entrance fee. Bicycle campsites: Newhalem Creek Campground site A3 and Colonial Creek Campground south site 115, first come first served until 8 pm.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near North Cascades: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near North Cascades? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.