North Cascades National Park protects some of the most rugged mountain wilderness in the lower 48 states, with ecosystems that range from wet temperate rainforests on the west side to dry ponderosa pine forests on the east. NPS counts about 75 species of mammals, roughly 200 species of birds, around 21 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 28 species of fish in the North Cascades. Columbian black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels and pikas are common and easy to enjoy, while the gray wolf, fisher and wolverine wander the wilderness in small numbers and are rarely seen. Grizzly bears and gray wolves have both been documented in the park’s rugged terrain, along with black bears, river otters, cougars and bobcats. Mule deer, including the black-tailed deer subspecies, are the most common hoofed mammals, and mountain goats, moose and elk are seen only occasionally. In the subalpine and alpine zones, hoary marmots whistle a warning at any sign of predators such as golden eagles and coyotes, and pikas live on talus slopes at middle and high elevations. The park is also part of an effort by the National Park Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Conservation Northwest to return fishers to the Cascades.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and over half of the species that breed in the park are migrants. From May through July, olive-sided flycatchers, warbling vireos, Swainson’s thrushes, Wilson’s warblers and western tanagers sing from high perches to claim their territories. Harlequin ducks breed on the clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams, and the old forests are home to the threatened marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl. The Skagit River watershed is one of the few in the continental United States with runs of all five Pacific salmon species: Chinook, coho, chum, pink and sockeye. Each year from August to December, thousands of salmon push up the Skagit to spawn, drawing one of the largest wintering concentrations of bald eagles in the continental United States. Twelve species of amphibians live in the park’s streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. The Pacific giant salamander and the tailed frog are among the few that brave swift water, and at high elevations tailed frog tadpoles can take three to four years to become adults, clinging to rocks with a suction-cup mouth. Keep reading to see featured photos of North Cascades’ wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured North Cascades National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.
North Cascades Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about North Cascades National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
North Cascades National Park Species List
The wildlife at North Cascades National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit North Cascades National Park:
Species Spotlight
Photo posts of animals you’ll find in North Cascades.
American RobinBird · Abundant
American Black BearMammal · Common
Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelMammal · Common
Mule Deer (including Black-tailed Deer)Mammal · Common
Bald EagleBird · Common
Steller’s JayBird · Common
Mountain GoatMammal · Uncommon
Mountain LionMammal · Uncommon
North American PorcupineMammal · Uncommon
Common LoonBird · Uncommon
Harlequin DuckBird · Uncommon
Grizzly BearMammal · OccasionalNorth Cascades National Park Mammals
67 species
- American Beaver(Castor canadensis)
- American Black Bear Photo post(Ursus americanus)
- American Mink(Mustela vison)
- American Pika(Ochotona princeps)
- Big Brown Bat(Eptesicus fuscus)
- Bighorn Sheep(Ovis canadensis)
- Bobcat Photo post(Lynx rufus)
- Bushy-tailed Woodrat(Neotoma cinerea)
- California Myotis(Myotis californicus)
- Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel(Spermophilus saturatus)
- Coast Mole(Scapanus orarius)
- Columbian Ground Squirrel(Urocitellus columbianus)
- Coyote Photo post(Canis latrans)
- Creeping Vole(Microtus oregoni)
- Deermouse(Peromyscus maniculatus)
- Douglas Squirrel(Tamiasciurus douglasii)
- Dusky Shrew(Sorex monticolus)
- Elk(Cervus elaphus)
- Ermine(Mustela erminea)
- Fisher(Pekania pennanti)
- Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel Photo post(Callospermophilus lateralis)
- Gray Wolf(Canis lupus)
- Grizzly Bear Photo post(Ursus arctos horribilis)
- Hoary Bat(Lasiurus cinereus)
- Hoary Marmot(Marmota caligata)
- Keen’s Mouse(Peromyscus keeni)
- Least Chipmunk(Tamias minimus)
- Little Brown Myotis(Myotis lucifugus)
- Long-legged Myotis(Myotis volans)
- Long-tailed Vole(Microtus longicaudus)
- Long-tailed Weasel(Mustela frenata)
- Masked Shrew(Sorex cinereus)
- Moose Photo post(Alces alces)
- Mountain Beaver(Aplodontia rufa)
- Mountain Goat Photo post(Oreamnos americanus)
- Mountain Lion Photo post(Puma concolor)
- Mule Deer (including Black-tailed Deer) Photo post(Odocoileus hemionus)
- Muskrat(Ondatra zibethicus)
- North American Porcupine Photo post(Erethizon dorsatum)
- North American River Otter(Lontra canadensis)
- North American Water Vole(Microtus richardsoni)
- Northern Bog Lemming(Synaptomys borealis)
- Northern Flying Squirrel(Glaucomys sabrinus)
- Northern Pocket Gopher(Thomomys talpoides)
- Pacific Jumping Mouse(Zapus trinotatus)
- Pacific Water Shrew(Sorex bendirii)
- Pine Marten(Martes americana)
- Raccoon(Procyon lotor)
- Red Fox Photo post(Vulpes vulpes)
- Red Squirrel(Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
- Shrew-mole(Neurotrichus gibbsii)
- Silver-haired Bat(Lasionycteris noctivagans)
- Snowshoe Hare(Lepus americanus)
- Southern Red-backed Vole(Clethrionomys gapperi)
- Striped Skunk(Mephitis mephitis)
- Townsend’s Chipmunk(Tamias townsendii)
- Trowbridge’s Shrew(Sorex trowbridgii)
- Vagrant Shrew(Sorex vagrans)
- Water Shrew(Sorex palustris)
- Western Gray Squirrel(Sciurus griseus)
- Western Heather Vole(Phenacomys intermedius)
- Western Jumping Mouse(Zapus princeps)
- Western Long-eared Bat(Myotis evotis)
- Western Spotted Skunk(Spilogale gracilis)
- Wolverine(Gulo gulo)
- Yellow-pine Chipmunk(Tamias amoenus)
- Yuma Myotis(Myotis yumanensis)
No mammals match.
North Cascades National Park Birds
225 species
- American Bittern(Botaurus lentiginosus)
- American Coot(Fulica americana)
- American Crow(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
- American Dipper(Cinclus mexicanus)
- American Goldfinch(Carduelis tristis)
- American Kestrel(Falco sparverius)
- American Pipit(Anthus rubescens)
- American Redstart(Setophaga ruticilla)
- American Robin Photo post(Turdus migratorius)
- American Three-toed Woodpecker(Picoides dorsalis fasciatus)
- American Tree Sparrow(Spizella arborea)
- American White Pelican(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
- American Wigeon(Anas americana)
- Anna’s Hummingbird(Calypte anna)
- Bald Eagle Photo post(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Band-tailed Pigeon(Patagioenas fasciata)
- Bank Swallow(Riparia riparia)
- Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica)
- Barred Owl(Strix varia)
- Barrow’s Goldeneye(Bucephala islandica)
- Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon)
- Bewick’s Wren(Thryomanes bewickii)
- Black Swift(Cypseloides niger)
- Black-backed Woodpecker(Picoides arcticus)
- Black-billed Magpie(Pica hudsonia)
- Black-capped Chickadee(Poecile atricapillus)
- Black-headed Grosbeak(Pheucticus melanocephalus)
- Black-throated Gray Warbler(Dendroica nigrescens)
- Blue-winged Teal(Anas discors)
- Bobolink(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
- Bohemian Waxwing(Bombycilla garrulus)
- Bonaparte’s Gull(Larus philadelphia)
- Boreal Chickadee(Poecile hudsonicus)
- Boreal Owl(Aegolius funereus)
- Brambling(Fringilla montifringilla)
- Brewer’s Blackbird(Euphagus cyanocephalus)
- Brown Creeper(Certhia americana)
- Brown-headed Cowbird(Molothrus ater)
- Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola)
- Bullock’s Oriole(Icterus bullockii)
- Bushtit(Psaltriparus minimus)
- Cackling Goose(Branta hutchinsii)
- California Gull(Larus californicus)
- California Quail(Callipepla californica)
- Calliope Hummingbird(Stellula calliope)
- Canada Goose(Branta canadensis)
- Canada Jay(Perisoreus canadensis)
- Canvasback(Aythya valisineria)
- Canyon Wren(Catherpes mexicanus)
- Caspian Tern(Sterna caspia)
- Cassin’s Finch(Carpodacus cassinii)
- Cassin’s Vireo(Vireo cassinii)
- Cedar Waxwing(Bombycilla cedrorum)
- Chestnut-backed Chickadee(Poecile rufescens)
- Chipping Sparrow(Spizella passerina)
- Cinnamon Teal(Anas cyanoptera)
- Clark’s Grebe(Aechmophorus clarkii)
- Clark’s Nutcracker(Nucifraga columbiana)
- Clay-colored Sparrow(Spizella pallida)
- Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
- Common Goldeneye(Bucephala clangula)
- Common Loon Photo post(Gavia immer)
- Common Merganser(Mergus merganser)
- Common Nighthawk(Chordeiles minor)
- Common Raven(Corvus corax)
- Common Redpoll(Carduelis flammea)
- Common Tern(Sterna hirundo)
- Common Yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas)
- Cooper’s Hawk(Accipiter cooperii)
- Dark-eyed Junco(Junco hyemalis)
- Downy Woodpecker(Picoides pubescens)
- Dusky Flycatcher(Empidonax oberholseri)
- Eared Grebe(Podiceps nigricollis)
- Eastern Kingbird(Tyrannus tyrannus)
- Eurasian Collared-Dove(Streptopelia decaocto)
- European Starling(Sturnus vulgaris)
- Evening Grosbeak(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
- Ferruginous Hawk(Buteo regalis)
- Fox Sparrow(Passerella iliaca)
- Gadwall(Anas strepera)
- Glaucous-winged Gull(Larus glaucescens)
- Golden Eagle(Aquila chrysaetos)
- Golden-crowned Kinglet(Regulus satrapa)
- Golden-crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia atricapilla)
- Gray Catbird(Dumetella carolinensis)
- Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch(Leucosticte tephrocotis)
- Great Blue Heron(Ardea herodias)
- Great Horned Owl(Bubo virginianus)
- Great-tailed Grackle(Quiscalus mexicanus)
- Greater Scaup(Aythya marila)
- Greater White-fronted Goose(Anser albifrons)
- Greater Yellowlegs(Tringa melanoleuca)
- Green Heron(Butorides virescens)
- Green-winged Teal(Anas crecca)
- Hairy Woodpecker(Picoides villosus)
- Hammond’s Flycatcher(Empidonax hammondii)
- Harlequin Duck Photo post(Histrionicus histrionicus)
- Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus)
- Hermit Warbler(Dendroica occidentalis)
- Hooded Merganser(Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus)
- Horned Lark(Eremophila alpestris)
- House Finch(Carpodacus mexicanus)
- House Sparrow(Passer domesticus)
- House Wren(Troglodytes aedon)
- Hutton’s Vireo(Vireo huttoni)
- Indigo Bunting(Passerina cyanea)
- Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus)
- Lapland Longspur(Calcarius lapponicus)
- Lazuli Bunting(Passerina amoena)
- Least Flycatcher(Empidonax minimus)
- Lesser Scaup(Aythya affinis)
- Lesser Yellowlegs(Tringa flavipes)
- Lewis’s Woodpecker(Melanerpes lewis)
- Lincoln’s Sparrow(Melospiza lincolnii)
- Long-tailed Duck(Clangula hyemalis)
- MacGillivray’s Warbler(Oporornis tolmiei)
- Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos)
- Marbled Murrelet(Brachyramphus marmoratus)
- Marsh Wren(Cistothorus palustris)
- Merlin(Falco columbarius)
- Mountain Bluebird(Sialia currucoides)
- Mountain Chickadee(Poecile gambeli)
- Mourning Dove(Zenaida macroura)
- Nashville Warbler(Vermivora ruficapilla)
- Northern Flicker(Colaptes auratus cafer)
- Northern Goshawk(Accipiter gentilis)
- Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus)
- Northern Mockingbird(Mimus polyglottos)
- Northern Pintail(Anas acuta)
- Northern Pygmy-Owl(Glaucidium gnoma)
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
- Northern Saw-whet Owl(Aegolius acadicus)
- Northern Shoveler(Anas clypeata)
- Northern Shrike(Lanius excubitor)
- Northern Spotted Owl(Strix occidentalis caurina)
- Northern Waterthrush(Seiurus noveboracensis)
- Olive-sided Flycatcher(Contopus cooperi)
- Orange-crowned Warbler(Vermivora celata)
- Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)
- Ovenbird(Seiurus aurocapillus)
- Pacific Loon(Gavia pacifica)
- Pacific Wren(Troglodytes pacificus)
- Pectoral Sandpiper(Calidris melanotos)
- Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus)
- Pied-billed Grebe(Podilymbus podiceps)
- Pileated Woodpecker(Dryocopus pileatus abieticola)
- Pine Grosbeak(Pinicola enucleator)
- Pine Siskin(Carduelis pinus)
- Pomarine Jaeger(Stercorarius pomarinus)
- Prairie Falcon(Falco mexicanus)
- Purple Finch(Carpodacus purpureus)
- Red Crossbill(Loxia curvirostra)
- Red-breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator)
- Red-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta canadensis)
- Red-breasted Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus ruber)
- Red-eyed Vireo(Vireo olivaceus)
- Red-naped Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
- Red-necked Grebe(Podiceps grisegena)
- Red-necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus)
- Red-tailed Hawk(Buteo jamaicensis)
- Red-winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)
- Redhead(Aythya americana)
- Ring-billed Gull(Larus delawarensis)
- Ring-necked Duck(Aythya collaris)
- Rock Pigeon(Columba livia)
- Rock Wren(Salpinctes obsoletus)
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
- Rough-legged Hawk(Buteo lagopus)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet(Regulus calendula)
- Ruddy Duck(Oxyura jamaicensis)
- Ruffed Grouse(Bonasa umbellus)
- Rufous Hummingbird(Selasphorus rufus)
- Sandhill Crane Photo post(Grus canadensis)
- Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis)
- Say’s Phoebe(Sayornis saya)
- Sharp-shinned Hawk(Accipiter striatus)
- Short-billed Gull(Larus brachyrhynchus)
- Short-eared Owl(Asio flammeus)
- Solitary Sandpiper(Tringa solitaria)
- Song Sparrow(Melospiza melodia)
- Sooty Grouse(Dendragapus fuliginosus)
- Sora(Porzana carolina)
- Spotted Sandpiper(Actitis macularius)
- Spotted Towhee(Pipilo maculatus)
- Spruce Grouse(Falcipennis canadensis)
- Steller’s Jay Photo post(Cyanocitta stelleri)
- Swainson’s Hawk(Buteo swainsoni)
- Swainson’s Thrush(Catharus ustulatus)
- Townsend’s Solitaire(Myadestes townsendi)
- Townsend’s Warbler(Dendroica townsendi)
- Tree Swallow(Tachycineta bicolor)
- Trumpeter Swan(Cygnus buccinator)
- Tundra Swan(Cygnus columbianus)
- Turkey Vulture(Cathartes aura)
- Varied Thrush(Ixoreus naevius)
- Vaux’s Swift(Chaetura vauxi)
- Veery(Catharus fuscescens)
- Vesper Sparrow(Pooecetes gramineus)
- Violet-green Swallow(Tachycineta thalassina)
- Virginia Rail(Rallus limicola)
- Warbling Vireo(Vireo gilvus)
- Western Bluebird(Sialia mexicana)
- Western Flycatcher(Empidonax difficilis)
- Western Grebe(Aechmophorus occidentalis)
- Western Kingbird(Tyrannus verticalis)
- Western Meadowlark(Sturnella neglecta)
- Western Screech-Owl(Megascops kennicottii)
- Western Tanager(Piranga ludoviciana)
- Western Wood-Pewee(Contopus sordidulus)
- White-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta carolinensis)
- White-crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia leucophrys)
- White-headed Woodpecker(Picoides albolarvatus)
- White-tailed Ptarmigan(Lagopus leucura)
- White-winged Crossbill(Loxia leucoptera)
- White-winged Scoter(Melanitta fusca)
- Williamson’s Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus thyroideus)
- Willow Flycatcher(Empidonax traillii)
- Wilson’s Phalarope(Phalaropus tricolor)
- Wilson’s Snipe(Gallinago delicata)
- Wilson’s Warbler(Wilsonia pusilla)
- Wood Duck(Aix sponsa)
- Yellow Warbler(Setophaga aestiva)
- Yellow-headed Blackbird(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
- Yellow-rumped Warbler(Dendroica coronata auduboni)
No birds match.
North Cascades National Park Reptiles
8 species
- Common Garter Snake(Thamnophis sirtalis)
- Northern Alligator Lizard(Elgaria coerulea)
- Rubber Boa(Charina bottae)
- Western Fence Lizard(Sceloporus occidentalis)
- Western Rattlesnake(Crotalus viridis)
- Western Skink(Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus)
- Western Terrestrial Garter Snake(Thamnophis elegans)
- Western Yellowbelly Racer(Coluber constrictor)
No reptiles match.
North Cascades National Park Amphibians
14 species
- American Bullfrog(Lithobates catesbeianus)
- Cascades Frog(Rana cascadae)
- Columbia Spotted Frog(Rana luteiventris)
- Ensatina(Ensatina eschscholtzii)
- Long-toed Salamander(Ambystoma macrodactylum)
- Northern Red-legged Frog(Rana aurora)
- Northwestern Salamander(Ambystoma gracile)
- Oregon Spotted Frog(Rana pretiosa)
- Pacific Giant Salamander(Dicamptodon tenebrosus)
- Pacific Treefrog(Pseudacris regilla)
- Rough-skinned Newt(Taricha granulosa)
- Tailed Frog(Ascaphus truei)
- Western Red-backed Salamander(Plethodon vehiculum)
- Western Toad(Anaxyrus boreas)
No amphibians match.
North Cascades National Park Fish
29 species
- Brook Trout(Salvelinus fontinalis)
- Bull Trout(Salvelinus confluentus)
- Burbot(Lota lota)
- Chinook Salmon(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
- Chum Salmon(Oncorhynchus keta)
- Coastal Cutthroat Trout(Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)
- Coastrange Sculpin(Cottus aleuticus)
- Coho Salmon(Oncorhynchus kisutch)
- Dolly Varden(Salvelinus malma)
- Golden Trout(Oncorhynchus aguabonita)
- Lake Trout(Salvelinus namaycush)
- Largemouth Bass(Micropterus salmoides)
- Largescale Sucker(Catostomus macrocheilus)
- Longnose Dace(Rhinichthys cataractae)
- Longnose Sucker(Catostomus catostomus)
- Mountain Whitefish(Prosopium williamsoni)
- Northern Pikeminnow(Ptychocheilus oregonensis)
- Peamouth(Mylocheilus caurinus)
- Pink Salmon(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
- Prickly Sculpin(Cottus asper)
- Pygmy Whitefish(Prosopium coulterii)
- Rainbow Trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Redside Shiner(Richardsonius balteatus)
- Slimy Sculpin(Cottus cognatus)
- Sockeye Salmon(Oncorhynchus nerka)
- Threespine Stickleback(Gasterosteus aculeatus)
- Western Brook Lamprey(Lampetra richardsoni)
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout(Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi)
- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout(Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri)
No fish match.
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in North Cascades National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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