This protocol narrative outlines the rationale, sampling design and methods proposed for monitoring climate in the North Coast and Cascades Monitoring Network (NCCN). The NCCN, one of 32 networks of parks in the National Park System, comprises seven national park units in the Pacific Northwest, including three large, mountainous, natural area parks (Mount Rainier MORA] and Olympic OLYM] National Parks, North Cascades National Park Service Complex NOCA]) and four small historic-cultural parks (Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve EBLA], Lewis and Clark National Historical Park LEWI], Fort Vancouver National Historical Park FOVA], San Juan Island National Historical Park SAJH]). This narrative reflects decisions made by the NCCN climate monitoring group, which includes National Park Service (NPS) representatives from each of the large parks in the Network and with the assistance of several agencies including National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).