North Cascades National Park is a family treasure

Published 1:30 am Saturday, August 13, 2016

On August 25th the National Parks Service turns 100, and many of our parks are becoming victims of their own popularity. But Washington state is blessed with North Cascades National Park which is still unmarred by crowds.

Full disclosure: my father-in-law Marc Bardsley is the former president of the North Cascades Conservation Council and my husband’s family has a long history of hunting, fishing, hiking and climbing in the Cascades. I would not be a good Bardsley if I wasn’t biased in my belief that it is one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Earlier this summer, my family stayed at the North Cascades Institute for a couple of nights on Diablo Lake. We forked over our money for their Base Camp program which included three square meals a day, comfy bunk beds and a variety of nature activities.

One of those experiences was heading out in the 20- person canoe and visiting Monkey and Deer islands, as well as two boat-in campsites called Hidden Cove and Buster Brown. Another was walking out onto Diablo Dam. My son discovered that if you spit off of one side, your spit will fly up and hit people in the face. He thought it was a “dam” good time.

My daughter’s favorite activity was when a lepidopterologist (a scientist who studies moths and butterflies) set up a white screen and giant light at night to attract moths. Forget Pokémon Go, catching bugs in real life was a lot more fun.

What I found to be confusing about the area was understanding which part of the landscape was part of the national park, what was owned by Seattle City Light, what was Wilderness with a capital W, and what was a national recreational area.

I asked my father-in-law about it when I got home. Marc explained to me that the true national park can only be reached by trekking into the backcountry. The reservoirs, camping areas, and roads are part of the North Cascades National Park “Complex,” meaning The Ross Lake National Park Recreational Area. He said that Seattle City Light has rights to operate the dams and power lines, but that the National Parks Service is the primary landowner. The state has jurisdiction over Highway 20.

“Nearly everyone visiting the area thinks they are in North Cascades National Park but they are not,” Marc said.

“You mean we were actually in the North Cascades National Park Complex?”

“Yes,” Marc answered. “It is all pretty confusing and that is why we formed the American Alps Legacy Project to designate most of that area as a true national park, as it certainly should be.”

Complex or park, one thing is still crystal clear. The North Cascades National Park region is a great place for families to explore the outdoors. When you plan your next adventure remember that “The North Cascades are calling” and backcountry camping permits are free.

Jennifer Bardsley is an Edmonds mom of two, and author of the book “Genesis Girl.” Find her online on Instagram @the_ya_gal, Twitter @jennbardsley or at teachingmybabytoread.com.