North Cascades National Park Service Complex, comprising North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, was established in October, 1968 and is located in northwestern Washington. North Cascades National Park was established to preserve certain majestic mountain scenery, snow fields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and other unique natural features in the North Cascades mountains for the benefit, use, and inspiration of present and future generations. Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas were established to provide for outdoor recreation use and enjoyment and to conserve scenic, scientific, historic, and other values contributing to public enjoyment of these lands and waters.