Can I fly a drone at North Cascades National Park?
One of the least-visited national parks (about 40,000 visitors per year) in the lower 48. Glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, and pure wilderness in north-central Washington. NPS drone ban applies.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
Mount Shuksan from Picture Lake. Diablo Lake from the Highway 20 overlooks. Cascade Pass approach views.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (WA)
Adjacent USFS land. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas. Similar Cascade peaks accessible.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (WA)
East side of the divide. Drone-permitted in non-Wilderness areas.
FAQ — North Cascades National Park
Can I fly drones at North Cascades?
No. NPS drone ban applies even though visitor numbers are low.
What about Diablo Lake from Highway 20?
The overlooks on Highway 20 are inside the North Cascades NP complex. Drone ban applies.
Where can I shoot Mount Shuksan?
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest non-Wilderness areas — drones permitted with USFS rules.
Other national parks
Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.