newhalem visitor center

Nice presentation of history about the dams and electricity generation. Worth a stop and look around.

The visitor center had some some nice displays and the rangers present have a good level of knowledge about the park. The movie they show on demand was disappointing. It was more focused on the environmental aspects of the area, which is fine but it was overdone. There could have been a lot more to be said about the history of the park. That stuff is interesting! There are some great picnic areas around the visitor center and some nice, short hikes around there, too.

Lots to see in Newhalem and a stop at the visitors center is a great way to start. Rangers man the center so you can ask all the questions you want or get help setting up a hike or outing. Lots of visual information on flora and fauna and a small gift shop as well. Be sure to walk behind the center to see their Salmon sculpture and the Temple of Power.

Movie they have in this center is not what I expected. Could have been more focused on the geographic history or the wild life. Instead it was a little "trippy" getting more into the spirit of the wilderness with a lot of whispering, whispering, whispering. Kind of weird. Nice place to visit on a rainy day with kids.

The Visitor Center is a little ways back from the main highway, but by all means look for it. It is a gem in location and architecture. The exhibits inside are informative and enjoyable. The gift shop was well stocked with items for various ages and interests. The park rangers were knowledgeable and helpful. Leave time to go on some of the trails that originate at the Visitor Center. The rangers and cashiers can tell you where they begin and where they go. This place is a little treasure.

Can not find the location according to TripAdvisor. The other map shows 37mile away from here. Don't know what is going on with TripAdvisor.

I'm a firm believer in visiting all the Visitors Centers, wherever we go. The rangers (or volunteer's, in some cases) know so much about what you would never discover on your own.The North Cascades Visitor Center is among the best we've seen! (the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - especially for Lewis & Clark fans, and the Mount St Helens Visitor Center).NCVC is beautiful, with an interactive Cascade topography map, video presentations, a small shop and beautiful grounds and a short wooden walkway to views that you would have to hike a mountain to see..Take the time to stop in, even if you know the area.. you never know what you DON'T know, until you learn it ;)

I have been enjoying the unique experience at Newhalem since 1964 during tours as a grade school student Make it part of your life experience also!

I didn't spend much time in the visitor's center. The true gem of the area is the still functioning worker's town of Newhalem itself. There are buildings hearkening back to the day when company towns were common. The store has a few treats to buy. The chili dog was acceptable.The walking tour of the power company's gardens and trails on the side / behind the dam was a real surprise. They still have the original electric lights and it once had exotic plants. It is now more a regional garden, but its ponds, waterfall and bridges make for a fun side excursion.

Probably the best visitor centre we have been in - very new, great displays and good location for visiting the North Cascades - particularly if you are approaching from the west. Spectacular view of the mountains from the short boardwalk at the back of the centre.

The relief map with lights to indicate places in North Cascades National Park is the central exhibit of this visitor center.

Newhalem V.C. is right in the heart of the Northern Cascades area of Washington state. Traveling this section of the state was amazing and when I stopped at the visitor's center, the ranger had a recommendation for a trip up Cascade River Road that I never would have found on my own. He gave me a map of the area, pointed out the way to get to the road, and even mentioned that a large portion of it was gravel and may be a challenge to drive. When I reached the top of that recommended trip, it was one of the most spectacular scenes I'd ever taken in. I hiked a bit, took tons of photos, and enjoyed the peaceful spot as I was the only human being there. I even built a tiny "snow lady" with some of the snow. A snow lady in July - not something you can do in Pennsylvania! Like I said, I never would have found this lovely place if it had not been for the helpful ranger at the Newhalem V.C. If you're traveling the Northern Cascades, you should definitely stop by this place.

Senior-friendly walking trails, doggie-friendly environment, this is a place to picnic (bring your own) and to see history in a beautiful setting. Located on Hwy 20 in North Cascades, WA

We locked our keys out of our car on Rainy Pass and they let us use their phone to call around. VERY nice folks.

But together very nicely. You could tell a lot of thought went into the displays.Also had info on several hikes and the disstance of each one of them.