Title:

Stephen Mather Wilderness, North Cascades National Park: Visitor survey data collected in 2024

Author(s):

Rice, William L.; Johnson, Hayley A.; Vergara, Adalyn; Armatas, Christopher A.; Thomsen, Jennifer M.

Publication Year:

2026

How to Cite:

These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:

Rice, William L.; Johnson, Hayley A.; Vergara, Adalyn; Armatas, Christopher A.; Thomsen, Jennifer M. 2026. Stephen Mather Wilderness, North Cascades National Park: Visitor survey data collected in 2024. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2026-0022

Abstract:

In 1998, 94% of the North Cascades National Park Complex in Washington was designated as the Stephen Mather Wilderness (SMW) making it one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental United States. This 2024 study was conducted to help managers study visitor motivations, values and desired experiences for the purpose of wilderness stewardship planning. The survey was designed to provide a reference point for assessing current visitor perspectives, as well as long-term trends to support wilderness planning efforts in the SMW. Specifically, these data (n = 766) include both overnight and day users to the SMW, with insights into visitor characteristics including demographics, use patterns, primary trip planning sources, familiarity with Leave No Trace principles, and perspectives on congestion, crowding, wildlife, transportation and park infrastructure.

Keywords:

boundaries; location; society; planningCadastre; Environment and People; Recreation; Quality of life; Social values, ethics; Wilderness stewardship planning; nature-based recreation; place attachment; visitor use management; visitor experience; Washington; North Cascade National Park; Stephen Mather Wilderness; Whatcom County; Skagit County; Chelan County

Metrics:

Visit count : 85 0
Download count: 4
More details

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