- Camping & Backpacking, Hiking
Hikers Guide to Grizzly Bears in North Cascades National Park
If you’re reading this article it is likely because you’ve heard the recent news that grizzly bears are being reintroduced to North Cascades National Park. The decision was made in April 2024 to restore the ecosystem with its top predator, the grizzly.
Grizzly bears have been in the North Cascades for thousands of years before they were terminated by the only predator they have, humans. These animals with an average of 3-inch claws and weigh an average of 400 pounds for females and 600 pounds for males have an omnivore diet. They’re suited to eat both fruits, roots, and flesh. While intimidating, they are a necessity for a healthy ecosystem. The decision to reintroduce them was not taken lightly.
From an ecology standpoint, this is great, but from a hiking standpoint, it comes with some challenges. I will cover everything hikers need to know about the reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park and how to co-inhabit the trail. Let’s get into it!
Everything Hikers Need to Know About Grizzlies in North Cascades
As someone who has stared a standing grizzly in the face, I will be the first to tell you how important it is to be aware of all safety precautions and measures in grizzly territory. The first time you think about what to do when you come across a grizzly bear on the trail, should not be when you see a grizzly bear on the trail.
Here is what we will cover in this post:
- Everything hikers should know about the reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Cascades
- Understanding Grizzly Bears
- Safety Measures
- Difference Between Black Bears and Grizzly Bears
- Frequently Asked Questions
This is a robust article with the hopes of educating all hikes entering grizzly territory in North Cascades. This will make one of three National Parks in Washington home to the magnificent grizzly. North Cascades has always had black bears, but there’s a new(ish) bear in town!
Grizzly Bears are Being Reintroduced in NCNP
The announcement that grizzly bears were being reintroduced in North Cascades National Park(NCNP) came with mixed feelings. Some are excited at the thought of bringing the ecosystem back into balance and others are terrified about the impact grizzlies could have on livestock, property, and human safety.
To throw in my two cents, I am excited about the reintroduction of grizzlies, but I am nervous about grizzly safety and awareness of the visitors that NCNP receives.
After an absence of around 30 years, it is now time for the grizzly bear population to make a comeback. After reading the 54-page Joint Record of Desion: Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan, you can read it here, here are the important things you need to know.
Reintroduction Phases
A misconception about the reintroduction of grizzlies is that 1,000’s of grizzlies will be dumped into North Cascades National Park. While North Cascades is large, the size of New Jersey, the carrying capacity does not support a significant number of bears, and introducing that many bears at one time would be a disaster.
Three options were considered for the reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Cascades and option three was chosen.
Initial Phase of Reintroduction
The National Park Service (NPS) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will be completing the initial population restoration process by relocating grizzly bears from surrounding areas in groups of 3 to 7 for 5 to 10 years in order to achieve an initial founder population of 25 bears.
Any bear that dies in this initial phase for any reason, will be replaced at a 1 to 1 ratio until the founding population of 25 bears is reached.
Secondary Phase of Reintroduction
Once the 25-bear population has been achieved, the only bears that will be added to the population will be because of the following:
- Human-Caused Mortality of Bears
- Genetic Limitations
- Improve Population Distribution
- Improve Sex-Ratio
The goal population is 200 bears within 60 to 100 years.
Capture and Release
The bears chosen for this program must meet the following criteria:
- No history of conflict with humans
- Come from an area with a healthy grizzly population
- Come from an ecologically similar area (not reliant on salmon for food)
- Independent grizzlies (recently separated from mothers)
Grizzly bears that meet the criteria will be trapped using helicopter-based capture darting and transported via truck between June and September.
Once captured, they will be transported to a staging area by truck and trailer, where they will be picked up as soon as possible by a helicopter and flown to a remote area of the National Park. The release site is based on specific habitat criteria including berry-producing plants, a significant distance from areas of high visitor use and motorized vehicle areas, and a suitable helicopter landing site(for release).
Each release could take up to 8 hours depending on the distance between the staging and release areas.
Monitoring
The grizzlies will be monitored with the use of GPS collars. Data from these collars will be downloaded and assessed every two days.
For genetic information, a tissue sample of each of the bears will be collected before release.
Cameras with hair-snagging abilities will collect genetic samples to monitor grizzly bear presence and reproductive success.
Public Outreach
With the introduction of grizzly bears to North Cascades, the NPS and FWS will be providing the population with educational tools and completing an outreach series to increase public awareness of the rehabilitation of the bears.
This is their plan:
As often as every week, the NPS and FWS will provide an update with general information on the grizzly bear’s movements and locations. While exact locations will not be disclosed, visitors will be aware if there is a closure due to bear activity. Bear activity that would be causation for a closure includes: bears with cubs, kill sites, or staging areas.
There will be educational materials provided to visitors about bear spray and proper food storage. This also goes into the park’s plan for improved sanitation which includes bear-resistant trash cans and food storage lockers at campgrounds in and around the park.
Safety information for campers and backpackers is included below. Now that I have wrapped up the 54-page document into a couple of pages, let’s talk grizzly bears.
Grizzly Bears in North Cascades
Grizzly Bears, scientifically known as Ursus arctos horribilis are a subspecies of brown bears and are one of the most revered wild animals in North America. Often recognized by their size, they have some pretty unique traits as well. Use this guide to get to know the returning king of the North Cascades, the grizzly.
Appearance
The first thing you will notice about any grizzly is that they are massive, ranging in size between 300 to 800 pounds depending on their sex, but it is their distinctive large hump between their head and back that sets them apart from other large bears.
They have short, round ears and can range in color from light tan to dark brown.
Range, Habitat and Behavior
Grizzly Bears can be found in western North America in parts of Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, Canada, and now Washington. They require a large territory of upwards of 600 square miles. Since the European settlement and the aggressive hunting of grizzlies, only 2 percent of their historical range remains.
The areas where grizzly bears can be found typically have the following foods available: nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, roots, and animals ranging in size from rodents to moose. While typically solitary creatures, they can be found congregating during times of abundance like during a salmon run.
SIgns of Grizzly Bears
Apart from knowing that you’re in grizzly bear territory from signs, there are some distinct natural signs you can look for when in the area. An important thing to remember when hiking in grizzly country is that you always need to be alert to your surroundings.
- Fresh Tracks: The front feet of grizzlies are squared and straight. The toes will not round over the sides of the foot mark. The claw marks will be small and between 2 – 4 inches from the toes.
- Scat: This is going to depend on the diet of the grizzly, since the North Cascade grizzlies will have a diet of a lot of berries, their poop will be darker in color and contain many seeds. Fresh bear scat will be moist. Really fresh bear scat will be steamy.
- Claw Marks: Claw marks in trees can be a sign of bear activity. Depending on how healed the tree is will show how recently the bear was in that area.
- Carrion: Carrion is animal carrcus. If you come across this be on high alert and get out of there. You have likely stumbled across a kill site and those are highly protected.
The most important signs of all when hiking in grizzly territory, especially in National Parks, are warning signs and closure signs. Many National parks with resident grizzlies will close sections of their parks when the grizzly bears in the areas pose a danger to hikers. Abide by these signs, even if it means passing up a hike that you want to do.
Hiking Safety
Hiking in North Cascades National Park is one of the best things you can do in Washington. This remote park is rather challenging to get to and has been labeled one of the least visited National Parks in the United States year after year. The raw and striking beauty of this area never ceases to amaze me and with the reintroduction of grizzly bears to NCNP, it will only get better.
Here are some hiking safety tips for grizzly territory.
Hiking in Groups
Always hike in groups. Bears are less likely to approach a group of people, so there’s safety in numbers. The recommended size is 4 or more. Not only does this provide a deterrent for curious bears, but it also means more help at hand in case of an emergency. Of the fatal grizzly attacks that occurred between 2020 and 2023, 7 were solo hikers.
In fact, in areas like Glacier National Park-Canada, some trails have a hiking group size MINIMUM. With grizzly bear activity so high in those areas of Canada, the Park Service has taken it upon itself to set safety parameters for its guests and it has been working! This is for the safety of the people, and also the bears.
Make Noise
Grizzly bears usually avoid humans, but surprise encounters can happen (they have happened to me). To reduce the risk, make noise as you hike. Talk loudly, sing, or clap. Some companies sell a bear horn, which is essentially a small air horn that you use throughout your hike to announce your presence.
There have been rumors of bears being conditioned to associate the sound of a bear bell with food. Take that as you will.
Trail Etiquette
Stay on marked trails and avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night when bears are most active…if you can help it. Otherwise, be hyperaware during those times. If you come across a carcass, detour widely around the area as it could be a bear’s food source. If you do come across a kill site, report it to a ranger as soon as possible. Never approach a bear. Avoid trail running as this could trigger a chase response by nearby bears.
Bear Spray
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent that can stop a charging bear. Keep it readily accessible, not buried in your pack, and practice drawing and aiming it before you hit the trail. Make sure it is not expired!
Dogs
North Cascades is one of the only National Parks that allows dogs and there is no current indication that the policy will change with the reintroduction of bears. But you never know how a dog is going to react to a bear and a dog could agitate or provoke a bear to attack. If you’re bringing your dog into bear country, keep them on a non-retractable leash. Do not let your dog bark at, harass, or corner a bear. Humans are more likely to get hurt when rescuing their dogs.
In the next section, I will cover camping safety in grizzly bear areas.
Camping & Backpacking Safety
Just like with hiking, you are encouraged to avoid hiking during dawn and dusk, hike in groups, and carry bear spray (even at camp). Make noise and plan ahead. Be aware of current bear activity in the area and know the requirements and regulations for that specific area.
Food Storage
Now that there will be grizzlies in North Cascades the park will be installing bear-safe food storage lockers at campgrounds. Food should not be left unattended at camp even for a couple of minutes. Once you’re done eating all food should be cleaned up and put away in the locker. Trash should also be kept in the locker. If there is not a locker, food, and trash should be kept in the locked car.
The requirements for bear canisters will remain the same for backpacking. When backpacking in North Cascades, you can rent a bear can from the permit office or purchase one. I use the bear vault bear canister.
Camp Space/Food Space
Establishing a “food space” and a “camp space” will help minimize the attraction of bears to your sleeping area. No food should ever enter your tent. Consider eating 50 feet away from your camp area in the backcountry and at picnic tables at a campground.
There are times when this would be challenging. Glacier National Park requires backpackers to store their food in a separate area from the tent area. As of right now, it is unclear if North Cascades will implement something similar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it on your own!
Now that you know some measures for avoiding an encounter, let’s look at what to do if you do encounter a grizzly bear in North Cascades National Park.
What to do During a Grizzly Encounter
While it is unlikely that you will encounter a grizzly bear in North Cascades any time soon, knowing what to do during a grizzly encounter is vital. It is a little different than a black bear which you would typically try to intimidate. Follow these steps to increase your safety during a grizzly encounter:
- Do Not Run: Running may trigger a chase response from the bear. Instead, back away slowly in the opposite direction while facing the bear.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Staring Directly at a bear can be perceived as a threat. Use peripheral vision to keep an eye on the bear’s movements.
- Speak Calmly: Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal.
- Stand Your Ground: If the bear charges, stand still. Most charges are bluffs, and running may provoke an attack.
- Use Bear Spray: If you have bear spray, prepare to use it. If the bear charges to within 25 ft use the bear spray by aiming at the bear’s face.
Each bear encounter will be unique, but be aware of the basic steps to take during a grizzly bear encounter.
Grizzly Bears vs Black Bears
Grizzly Bears and Black Bears are very different and North Cascades is about to have both. Here is a quick guide on how to differentiate between Grizzly Bears and Black Bears.
Physical Characteristics
Face Shape: Grizzly bears have a concave face profile and black bears have a straighter face profile.
Shoulder Hump: Grizzlies have a well-defined hump on their shoulders.
Ear Shape: Grizzly Bears have short, round ears and black bears have taller, more pointed ears.
Claw Length: The claws of grizzlies are about 2-4 inches and curved. Black bears have shorter nails.
Color and Size
Color: Do not rely on color to differentiate between grizzlies and black bears. Both species can vary in color from black to light tan. However, grizzlies often have silver or tan-tipped fur.
Size: There is an overlap in size, but grizzlies are typically larger. Adult grizzlies can weigh between 250 and 600 pounds, while black bears range between 150 and 500 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grizzly Bears in North Cascades
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park and how that is going to apply to hikers, campers, and backpackers.
When will grizzly bears be in the North Cascades?
There is no set date for when translocation of the bears will begin. As of April 2024, it was approved for grizzly restoration in North Cascades, but the timeline for beginning that process has not been decided.
Will the grizzly bears be a threat to hikers and other users of North Cascades?
One of the requirements of the translocated bears to North Cascades is that they do not have any prior conflict or interaction with humans. The other requirements are that they come from an area with a healthy grizzly population, a similar ecological area, and are independent grizzlies.
How far should hikers stay from grizzly bears in North Cascades?
People should be 100 feet from grizzly bears. If you hold your thumb out in front of you, the bear should be completely covered by your thumb. If the bear is not, you are too close.
No wildlife should be approached, fed, or touched, grizzlies included.
Why are grizzly bears needed in the North Cascades?
Grizzly bears were a vital part of the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE). They are not only an apex predator for the area and keep wildlife populations at healthy levels but they also help distribute seeds and improve biodiversity for plants in the area.
Will grizzly bears impact available hiking trails or campgrounds in North Cascades?
Other than an occasional short-term closure due to bear activity that might threaten human safety, no trails or campgrounds will be impacted by the introduction of grizzlies to NCNP. An example of a short-term closure on a hiking trail due to bear activity would include a kill site close to the area or aggressive bears in the area during mating season.
How many grizzly bears will be in North Cascades National Park?
Once grizzly bears begin reintroduction to North Cascades, they will be reintroduced in sets of 3 to 7 for the next ten years until there is a starter population of 25. Once that initial population is set, there will be no human interaction. The estimated carrying capacity of grizzly bears in North Cascades is 280 bears, but the park is unlikely to see that number of bears for another 100 years.
Should I bring a gun to North Cascades National Park now that there are grizzly bears?
No, it is not necessary. Follow the advice stated in the above article to avoid a grizzly bear attack.
In the entirety of North America, there were 10 fatal grizzly bear attacks between 2020 and 2023. Considering there are millions of people recreating in grizzly bear territory every year, this is an extremely rare event.
If you do carry one, the use of a firearm should be your very last resort. A bill signed into law in 2010 allows visitors to carry firearms in National Parks, North Cascades included, but it is explicitly stated that the discharge of firearms is prohibited on National Park grounds and firearms are not to be used as protection from wildlife.
In most cases where people have used a firearm to protect themselves from a grizzly attack, a thorough investigation was immediately conducted by multiple agencies. In addition, keep in mind that these bears are valued by the National Park Service. So, if you decide to use a firearm, understand that you must be able to prove that your life was in imminent danger, and even then you would likely face criminal charges.
I am not a lawyer and this article is not legal advice. It is your responsibility to understand the federal, state, and local park laws concerning firearms. These laws could change at any time. Here are a couple of resources to start your research on the topic:
What should you do if a bear approaches your campsite?
If a bear approaches your campsite, remain calm and let the bear take note of your presence. Give the bear time to leave on its own. Never run from the bear or attempt to take food from a bear. If bear cubs enter the site, get to a safe place.
What if I am a solo hiker in grizzly territory at NCNP?
Solo hiking always has some danger involved in it and when it comes to grizzly bears there is inherent risk. While there are times when hiking alone is unavoidable, consider asking people at the trailhead if you can join their group or hike within eye distance of another group. Remember, there is no shame in safety. If you’re hiking solo, bring bear spray and have a GPS device in case of an emergency. Make sure someone knows where you are and when you’re expected to exit the hike so they can contact authorities if they can’t contact you.
Pack It Up
Hiking and Camping in grizzly territory can sometimes be a scary experience! Many people who have visited North Cascades National Park have never had to think about grizzly bears before, myself included. This change in the park is exciting and uneasy. It requires education around the topic for the safety of the park visitors and the returning inhabitants.
I think about the significant increase of visitors during the larch season when North Cascades National Park gets a majority of their annual visitors over the span of two weekends. Larch season could be the only time some people visit the park all year and who might have no idea that this change has occurred. I imagine and hope that the park will also incorporate signage throughout the park in addition to the infrastructure changes.
Anyway, I am so excited for this change! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments!
Additional Resources:
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
One Response
This post is so informative! I think that it’s great they are reintroducing the grizzlies, even though it will come with some more preparation for going into the park. I think the way they are phasing the bears in seems really smart.