Natural resources and its potential for recreational activities are the main values of the national park, which stretches over an area of 742.38 ha (1,834.5 acres).

Turkey's longest and most active geological fracture, the North Anatolian Fault, runs through the southern foot of Mount Ilgaz.

The low altitude parts of the northern slopes are generally covered with Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), European black pine (Pinus nigra) and fir (Abies) forests.

At the altitudes of 1,000–1,300 m (3,300–4,300 ft), hornbeam (Carpinus) and beech (Fagus') become dominant accompanied with some other firewood and deciduous plants.

The alpine zone beginning up from 2,000–2,200 m (6,600–7,200 ft) is utmost rich consisting of rare and endemic vegetation formed by dwarf shrubs.

Abundant and all-year-long running streams as well as rich vegetation enable well-matched conditions for the habitat of fauna such as deer (Cervidae), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wildcat (Felis silvestris), lynx, European pine marten (Martes martes), beech marten (Martes foina), weasel, rabbit, squirrel, hedgehog, mole, bat, European badger (Meles meles) and European otter (Lutra lutra).

[4][6] Mount Ilgaz National Park offers opportunities for diverse outdoor sports including hiking, camping and caravaning as well as daily activities.

[1] The national park is situated on the state road D.765 between Çankırı and Kastamonu, which runs from Ankara to Black Sea coast northwards.

[5][8] The main entrance to the national park is near the mountain pass at 1,850 m (6,070 ft), which is the highest point of the highway D.765.