Park and Forest Information Center (Sedro-Woolley)

Overview

This is the first, easiest stop off SR 20 for North Cascades trip planning. Located about 5 miles east of I‑5 in Sedro‑Woolley, it serves both North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. If you’re coming up from Seattle, swing in here to get your bearings before committing to the highway.

What You’ll Find

• An information desk staffed by helpful rangers who can talk you through road status, trail conditions, and where to go for your style of trip.
• A large relief map of the park and adjacent national forests—great for visualizing routes and drive times.
• A sales area with books, detailed maps, videos, and souvenirs; you can also purchase relevant passes here.
• Clean indoor restrooms. Families often stop to pick up Junior Ranger materials.

Permits and Passes

Backcountry permits are not issued here. For wilderness permits, go to the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Use Sedro‑Woolley to plan, get maps, and buy passes; do your permit pickup in Marblemount if you’re backpacking.

How It Fits With Other Centers

Already deep on SR 20? The Newhalem Visitor Center (farther east) has more extensive exhibits and short interpretive trails. Approaching from the Mt. Baker side on Hwy 542? The Glacier Public Service Center may be more convenient. Sedro‑Woolley is best as the quick, front‑country planning hub near I‑5.

Best Time to Visit

Hours vary by season and may be limited to specific weekdays. Build a quick stop here at the start of your drive and call ahead on your travel day to confirm current hours. If you’re chasing sunrise or starting early, plan to stop when they open, grab maps and passes, and keep rolling.

Quick Take

Use this as your launch pad: get current conditions from real humans, study the relief map, buy the right map/pass, then head up SR 20 with a solid plan.