Stephen Mather Wilderness, Wilderness area in North Cascades National Park Complex, Washington, US
The Stephen Mather Wilderness is a protected area within the North Cascades National Park Complex that spans steep mountain slopes, alpine lakes, and densely forested valleys. The landscape features jagged peaks, glacial-fed streams, and thick conifer forests that cover the terrain across significant elevation changes.
The area was protected in 1988 through the Washington Park Wilderness Act and named after Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. This designation honored his work in establishing the foundations of wilderness conservation across the United States.
The wilderness reflects American conservation values through its strict regulations prohibiting motorized equipment and mechanical transport to maintain natural conditions.
Weather can shift rapidly and unpredictably, so visitors should check current conditions and prepare accordingly before setting out. Many routes require multi-day treks through remote backcountry terrain, which demands solid physical fitness and experience with wilderness hiking.
The area links to five other protected lands, forming a large network of habitats for grizzly bears, mountain goats, and rare bird species. This connectivity allows wildlife to roam across vast distances and maintain genetic diversity across the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
