Hike wasnt too challenging trail gets narrow at times with a drop off on one side, so definitely bring good shoes. Very close to the lake there were a couple narrow and steep snow patches that we crossed with a lot of caution. There, youll find a quaint gazebo with a short, wooden pathway leading to a platform above the creek. Craziest thing ever. No snow today except a few patches toward the end of the route. Diablo Lake Trail North Cascades National Park View from Diablo Lake Trail NPS / Astudillo Quick Facts Location: State Route 20, Mile 128 Significance: Hiking Trail Amenities 2 listed The trail rises and falls for 3.8 miles (6.1 km), then crosses Diablo Lake on a high bridge. I personally feel the views of the lakes and their aquamarine water color are best viewed from above. Fun trail, mostly in the trees but some cool views in places. The trail was in great condition with only a few muddy spots. Enter the forest and notice how beautifully green it is, a mossy carpet under the hemlock and salal and draped over decaying logs. Thanks to its proximity to Diablo Lake and trails and its boat launch, Colonial Creek Campground is a popular spot. The Pyramid Lake trail is a fairly short trail signed just after you cross Gorge Lake. Muddy in spots but it didnt hinder any progress. Find ongoing coronavirus safety updates atncascades.org/coronavirus. I know that most of the higher elevation hiking trails will still be snow covered at this time of year, but what will Hwy 20 be like? Beautiful hike w amazing blue lake at end! There were a few mosquitos at the trailhead but none on the trail or at the lake. See the detailed trail description for more information. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Somewhat rocky in parts. Or hike the Ross Dam Trail and walk across Ross Dam for access to miles of backpacking trails and the Ross Lake Resort. most of the trail was clean, except when you get to the tip you see a few snow patches. We just walked the first 1.5 miles to the bridge and back. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Sorry that we couldnt really see much. Here, you can either continue going straight, or take a short detour--taking a left and following the small trail at the shelter will loop you around back to the main trail in about a quarter-mile. Washington Trails Association Definitely worth going down to the suspension bridge. This overlook along Hwy 20 provides great views of the lake behind Diablo dam as well as of the forested mountains surrounding it. Washington Trails Association This was pretty much the last week that travelling here without any weather conditions to worry about as well. Bit steep. Diablo Lake trail is a great hike if in the area for a day and you want to take in the sights of the beautiful color of the water and the gorge below. Pyramid Lake Trail Hard 4.1 (260) Ross Lake National Recreation Area Photos (133) Directions Print/PDF map Length 3.9 miElevation gain 1,499 ftRoute type Out & back Get to know this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near Marblemount, Washington. It is a man-made lake, created by the Diablo hydroelectric dam in the Skagit River, but its remote location and stunning natural surroundings prevent the area from feeling artificial. Ive got great pics on the trail as well though. Once a month you'll receive our Field Notes eNewsletter with the latest Institute news, natural history information and photography from the North Cascades, job announcements and special discounts. In a secure wilderness park, directly on the Cascade River. Make sure to go up the right side after getting to the lake for a view of the lake and liberty bell (where you can also truly appreciate the "blue" color of the lake). Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Blue lake was worth it, though. This is an out and back trail and does not travel the whole length of the trail, so it is possible to extend your hike further if you wish. Diablo Dam, at a height 389 feet (118.6m), was the tallest dam in the world when it was completed in 1930. Such as: The Diablo Lake Trail starts at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center and is about 7.5 miles out and back along Sourdough Mountain. Also you can get really good views too! We recommend booking Diablo Lake Overlook tours ahead of time to secure your spot. At 0.5 km continue straight at a junction, then cross Deer Creek and begin climbing. Access: Drive State Route 20 to milepost 130, Colonial Creek Campground (24 miles east of Marblemount and 63 miles west of Winthrop). The reflection of sunlight off the suspended particles in the lake creates a turquoise appearance. Our party of 4, and a dog, started at the Diablo Lake trailhead on a Friday afternoon. Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 30 minutes. From Newhalem, drive east on the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) for 11.3 km. We were lucky to see mountain goats and 2 babies. Eerily quiet in some spots of the forest, like a vacuum. Were so glad were able to help you get outside and experience the splendor of Washingtons trails. Thunder Knob Trail Saw a few deer and heard what couldve been a cougar. WTA Pro Tip: There is so much to see and do in the North Cascades. The trail is well maintained with a few patches of rocks but nothing too difficult. Operated by North Cascades Institute in partnership with the National Park Service and the City of Seattle, this award-winning residential campus is nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The Blue Lake at the end is definitely worth the hike. Great hike. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. We did this hike & Thunder Knob today, and thought this one much more scenic overall. We brought crampons just in case, but didnt use them! Definitely a cool trail though. WTA is a nonprofit supported by 26,000 members regular people who value trails. Nice trail! Sedro-Woolley, Weather can play a role though - the crystal blue colours are usually only on sunny days. As you work your way up a bit higher, watch how the forest changes in just a matter of a few hundred feet. Hot! The trail connects with the Diablo Lake Trail, so park at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Great trail and not too difficult for gaining 1000 feet of elevation. The best way to experience the Environmental Learning Center is by enrolling in one of our many programs offered every year, includingBase Camp,Family Getaways,Skagit Toursora weekend class. We clocked 2 hours to Ross Dam and 1.5 hours return, taking our time with a few stops along the way in each direction. The ferry only comes twice daily during the summer, so be sure to arrive on time (9am and 3:30pm). Takes about an hour each way - no snow on the trail. Soon, you'll be greeted with tons of moss-covered rocks, and a small fork in the trail. The rocks here are large and plentiful, and are perfect for having lunch with the chipmunks and purple asters and the view. I encountered 4 different groups with unleashed dogs. The color can take on hues of Jade and turquoise and changes with the sky, whether it be cloudy or sunny. I only hiked out to the bridge and back. Follow the rock-lined path through it, and end up at the edge of the forest. In another 1.6 km, reach a signed overlook of Ross Dam. Rainier & Taste Yakima Valley Wine: All-Inclusive Day Tour from Seattle, Luxury Leavenworth Day Trip through the Cascade Mountains, BEST Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle, Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour. Can they be on leash at the lookout point and trail nearby? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dry and clear trail from the parking lot at Colonial Creek to McAllister backcountry sites. And not much of anything else either besides chipmunks and birds. The view of the lake is breathtaking. What restaurants are near Diablo Lake Overlook? (360) 856-1934. It is one of the most beautiful sights in the lower 48 states. Commonly we stride through the out-of-doors too swiftly to see more than the most obvious and prominent things. At night, this path has a colored light show. We had the top down on the car the entire trip during the day time. There are many viewpoints to enjoy Diablo Lake and the view shown in the picture. Reviews (3,983) Photos (3,843) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4.5. 6/17 . At one point Ross Lake enters Canada for the last 5 1/2 miles of its northern tip. I would say the view is even better than the one you get hiking the 3.3 mile Thunder Knob Trail. It can be accessed by foot. another amazing hike in the north cascade. Hello I want to make a reservation could you give me a number Please to camp in Diablo lake. 4~ hours awesome variations of trail type. Recreational opportunities include trails and boat launch on Diablo Lake. It was only on my way back through, too. For decades, hydroelectricity created by water power harnessed through the dams has provided a significant source of electricity for Seattle. There are several options for drive-in campgrounds, but for those that allow campground reservations, you must book quickly in advance. Lots of skeeters at the lake and some mud on the trail. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Started at 6:45am on a Wednesday and had the lake to myself. Ross Lake National Rec Area and Lake Chelan National Rec Area). Plenty of views. (Many activities are currently canceled due to COVID restrictions.) Paddle a canoe on glacier-fed Diablo Lake. Very nice hike! Ranger at the Visitor center gave us the information. Tree logs will help you do that. The lake was really pretty, but of course, it is only really blue on a sunny day so today it was more of a silver color. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 12 min to complete. We were gone the week of Oct. 5th to the 11th. There are restrooms at the far end of the parking lot. The route on All Trails is a bit off around the bridge area. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you want better views head up the extra mile to Tricouni camp. The total length of the lake is about 23 miles long or so. We almost turned around at one point but decided to go a little further and was treated to a beautiful view of the creek where we had lunch. Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Thunder Knob is perfect for an afternoon hike or an easy hike with children. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. River is audible from most parts of the trail, even if very faintly. Hiked out Saturday afternoon and camped at Tricouni before heading back Sunday morning. Lovely hike! Experiencing the tranquility of Diablo Lake while knowing its helping power businesses, homes, and Zoom calls more than a hundred miles away was a striking way to appreciate the power of science and nature. Spectacular views and photos are readily available at North Cascades Highway 20 at the Diablo Lake Vista, but nothing beats the fun of getting your boots in the dirt and hiking it up close. Located 125 miles from Seattle, its worthy of a weekend trip (or longer if you can!) It was super cold in the heat of Augustwe did see a family swimming but it is a COLD swim. You just need to display it on your cars dashboard. My husband and I are in our 60s, and I appreciated that it was a pretty gradual incline, (and decline coming down). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Accessibility: Entirely paved highway and road, except for dirt parking area. Trail is maintained and a few small patches of snow on it. Directions from Diablo Lake: Follow State Route 20 to Diablo Lake. Trailhead has pit toilet. Do the short loop at the top to the right by the cabin ruins to experience the full blue color of the lake. Diablo Lake, and the nearby Ross Lake and Gorge Lake, are man-made reservoirs formed by the dam system. Thanks to the crush of glaciers, rock sediment is ground into a rock flour that feeds into Diablo Lake from glacial streams and is fine enough to be suspended in the water. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 18 min to complete. These rock particles, called glacial flour, enter the lake whenrock from the surrounding mountainsis eroded by ice and flows into the water through glacial streams. Lovely lake! With wildlife, mountain and lake views and plenty of rest stops, this trail is perfect for all ages. Mountains, valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and more make a hike to Cascade Pass pretty much unbeatable for the effort. Diablo Lake Trail Park in the lot above the boat ramp. But I was a little underwhelmed. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. 518 m 3.5-5h Cascade Pass Trail is one of the classic North Cascades hikes. Diablo Lake Overlook (North Cascades National Park) - What to Know BEFORE You Go. Seattle, WA 98104. If you hike earlier in the year, the color will be bluer, in late summer, the color will be greener.Look up and see the ridge of Sourdough Mountain and the snowfield of Davis Peak. Trail pretty good, very few muddy spots. Tip 1 - the campground offers day use parking. If you plan to take the ferry back or would like to see the suspension bridge, follow the switchbacks down to the bridge at 6.4 km. Fortunately we made it to the ferry in time (and had $10 cash per person) to hitch a ride back to our car. Please leash your dogs. A $26 backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (incl. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We Air B and B our cabin (Cozy Off-Grid Cabin, on Air B and B) its located in Marblemount. Saw a family of 5 mountain goats as well! I did this with my daughters, one being carried on my back. Coming to Washington this summer with our RV! three hours northeast of Seattle, the Environmental Learning Center provides access to destinations east and west of the Cascade Crest, from the pine-studded sagelands of the Columbia Plateau to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. I see it is open to fishing year round. Beautiful forest and then stunning Mountain Views. The valley still looks steep and wild; imagine for a minute what the Skagit River and this valley once looked like before the dams were built. Filled with glacial flour, the lake becomes turquoise when the sun's rays glance off the suspended particles. Fun and pretty trail with good mountain views. The trail crosses a small, clear creek entirely different than the larger, glacial-fed creek you just passed, and enters a moist forest of Douglas-fir, red cedar and Western hemlock forest growing among moss-covered rocks. wikipedia; Trail Info. Pleasant morning stroll along Thunder Creek (which is more like a river) to the bridge. I think this is a destination best suited for Fall larches or sunny days. As of Mid June, waterproof footwear is advisable, as fording some of the tributary creeks can be a wet experience. This is an absolutely gorgeous trail and views. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The views from the top are a big payoff for such a short hike. North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. It took us about 1 hour 45 mins to hike to the lake and spent about an hour up there. Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. It leads through a creekbed, forest, and over a clear stream to an overlook on the south side of Diablo Lake with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. This takes you behind some trees to a sheltered pit-toilet. Learn about water, geology, glaciers, and the plants and animals that call this place home. Busy for a weekday. Diablo Lake Trail Moderate 4.2 (1342) Ross Lake National Recreation Area Photos (1,227) Directions Print/PDF map Length 7.2 miElevation gain 1,509 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 7.2-mile out-and-back trail near Marblemount, Washington. Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. Plenty of mud due to recent rain. Absolutely gorgeous - some spots with snow but didnt need spikes. The Diablo Lake Trail is an excellent choice year-round, but it's a particularly good option for an early season hike in the stunning North Cascades National Park, much of which is inaccessible during the winter and spring. Amazing trail and lake. As you near the top, the trail winds around a small pond, providing yet another microclimate along this hike, and then finishes with a gentle ascent to a knoll and several view points. Is it big enough to spend a couple of days exploring by rowing skiff (~5mph cruising speed), or small enough to cover in half a day? Take a seat under the alder tree, have a snack, and listen to birds chirping and the peaceful trickle of the creek below. A short spur to the left will take you to benches to rest, eat a snack (but watch out for thieving chipmunks), and take in the views. Home Diablo Lake Washington: Camping and Hiking in the North Cascades. Things to Do in North Cascades National Park. Just making sure because I am leaving to go on Tuesaday. trip reports for this trail. The weather was wet so there was a lot of mud and rocks sticking out but the trail was easy to follow. Plan ahead. 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June - October (one-way with ferry return) or Year-round (Out and Back), Yes, at North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. One-way or round-trip, the Diablo Lake Trail offers a nice hike above the shores of Lake Diablo. Always bring rain gear as storms can happen without notice (even on an apparently clear day). Sort by: This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure to stop and visit Diablo Lake! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. More camping is available nearby in North Cascades National Park. The hike was dry today and busy with other hikers (kids and family included) otherwise with a few very small snow patches. Become a member to power this resource. The south tolt river and cedar river hydro plants are run in conjunction with the the water supply dams on said rivers, NE and SE of Seattle respectively. Activities include many school and youth programs, a graduate program and classes for adults, teachers and families. Hwy 20 Mile Marker 132, North Cascades National Park, WA 98284-1263, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Was trying to get to lake by around 2 before sun drops behind mountain limiting color. Nice spots off trail to get better look at river. Skagit County, Washington is home to both Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. it was raining when I did the trail so conditions were a bit slippery. And right out the front door, people need only grab a paddle or lace up their boot strings to head into the wild North Cascades. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The vibrantly-colored Diablo Lake is located in the Ross Lake Recreation Area within North Cascades National Park. (The color is created by the glacial silt in the water.) Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The lake is most vivid in spring and summer when its fed by more of the glacial melt. Begin the Diablo Lake Trail from the North Cascades Institute parking lot. For observing nature, the best pace is a snail's pace. Venture up the Skagit River in northwestern Washington State deep into the mountains. Do you need to book in advance to visit Diablo Lake Overlook? (360) 854-7200
Hike beneath towering cedars and fern-draped maples. Reviews (1,324) Photos (1,201) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4.2. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 18 min to complete. What hotels are near Diablo Lake Overlook? This hike is great bang for your buck. Heading east along the North Cascades Highway, look for the sign that directs you to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, about 7 miles from Newhalem. Enjoy the ride back! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Worth it for the views at the lake and in the meadow at the halfway point. Heavily crowded hike. Learning Center Campus & Trails Map; Diablo Lake Trail Hiking Guide Learning Center sustainability information; Testimonials The campus is gorgeous, food was delicious and most of all the staff was super-engaged and knowledgeable. The lake itself is a lovely turquoise color, thanks to the nearby glaciers, and against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the effect is jaw-dropping. For pristine wildlife and scenery, it doesnt get much better than the divine views of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. The views from the top are a big payoff for such a short hike. But we cant provide this resource without you. The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. Id love to hear more tips and favorite spots from others whove spent time at this incredible park. Is this unable to be accessed currently due to the fire? We participated in several programs and couldn't have enjoyed them more. Will be travelling with my wife and 2 kids, so want to take extra caution during these Covid-19 times. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We saw people slipping all the way through the hike. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. My own picture actually looked less colorful than what I was seeing in real time. One of those just really great hikes! I saw about 7 piles of bear scat, and smelled a strong cloud of urine in one spot. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . Facilities include: Located along State Route 20 three hours northeast of Seattle, the Environmental Learning Center provides access to destinations east and west of the Cascade Crest, from the pine-studded sagelands of the Columbia Plateau to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. I think one of the great things about North Cascades National park is that a lot of really great sites can be see with little effort. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Its a bit of a slog on the return for the first mile going back up a few switchbacks but eventually levels off again at the ridge line. Hiked this trail on 06/09. My GPS put McAllister Camp at 13.5 miles round trip. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Only a few peekaboo views on the way up of the surrounding mountains. No obstacles otherwise. Multiple stream crossings but they were all pretty easy to get through. Very few people on a Friday afternoon, we felt like we mostly had it to ourselves. Highlights of Mumbai - 25 must see tourist landmarks of the city! An obvious draw to this memorable and photogenic landscape is the blue-green water color of Diablo Lake. App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. so park in the Colonial Creek campground. is there anywhere you can rent fishing great for a few hjours? Awesome trail with so many incredible views the entire way! The trail connects with the Diablo Lake Trail, so park at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. This is a beautiful day hike with a diverse trail. offers groups facilities and staff services for conferences, trainings, events and retreats. I passed someone riding a horse on the trail, a first for me in years of coming to the North Cascades. once you get to the tip you see breathtaking views of the lake. It took 3 hours out and back. Going right will only take you a short distance to the learning center, so take a left to get to the falls. June 22, 2023 Melanie J. The ferry departs from the west side at 8:30am and 3pm. Diablo Lake is tucked inside North Cascades National Park and the parking lot for the Diablo Lake Trail can be accessed from Diablo Dam Road off North Cascades Highway (SR 20).