There are few roads into the park, but views into the park can be had on clear days from the North Cascades Highway at Goodell Creek, Diablo Lake Overlook, and other places. From many park trails endless views unfold of glacially sculpted valleys, glaciers, and snowfields. Rumbling sounds frequently interrupt the sub-alpine stillness as icefalls crash into the valley floor from glaciers that seem precariously perched on steep mountain slopes. At Cascade Pass, over which Alexander Ross is presumed to have traveled, flower-sprinkled hillsides and meadows enhance spectacular views of the Cascade and Stehekin Valleys. Here, as at other passes and high elevation viewpoints, you can best see the rock ridges, glaciers, snowfields, cascading waterfalls, and other alpine and sub-alpine features against their occasional backdrop of cool blue sky.
Most hikers enter the national park from trailheads along the North Cascades Highway.
Others enter from trailheads along the Cascade River Road, the Stehekin Valley, and via U.S. Forest Service trails surrounding the park. Camping is popular throughout the park complex. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight use. The permit system helps prevent overcrowding and destruction of the fragile mountain environment. Climbers should register before attempting any ascents or other technical mountaineering procedures.