Introduction:
What? :
Enjoy the views
of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks from this location.
Not matter what
are your plan and how much time you have this is a must stop location on your North
Cascades Highway drive.
On a clear
summer day when there is no wind the view from this point is breathtaking. The
lake surround you on both side with his blue turquoise watercolor and the large,
massive, and spiky mountain are towering above you and the landscape is covered
with the local forest.
I visit here when
there was no wind at all and the mountain reflection in the lake water was
perfect.
Additional related blogs:
- North Cascades Highway – Road Trip in one of the most beautiful roads in the US
- North Cascades Highway - Gorge Powerhouse and Ladder Creek Falls
- North Cascades Highway - Gorge Overlook Trail
- North Cascades Highway - Washington Pass Observation Point
- Seattle WA – Skyline Viewing Points
- Seattle WA – Rattlesnake Ledge Day Hike
- Mount Rainier National Park – Visit Planning
Where? :
Located alongside
of North Cascades Highway, milepost 131.7.
Drive 11.2
miles east of Newhalem and take the clear and marked turn to your left.
If you are
coming from the east this is 31.1 miles west of Washington Pass Observation
Site.
Google Map Link
When? :
Check Washington
State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) what are the North Cascades Highway
(Highway 20) status. The road may be partly closed for the winter season.
Due note 1: There is a
large parking lot that can also fit RV and trailers.
Due note 2: Picnic Table
and Toilet are available.
Due note 3: Free of charge
Due note 4: If you want to
get more information on the park, stop by the North Cascades National Park
Visitor’s Center in Newhalem.
Due note 5: The lake is a popular place to kayak or canoe, the water may be cold for swimming.
My thoughts:
This location
provide amazing view of the lake and the mountains, and I spend here at least
30 min.
I stopped here
both on my way east and when coming back to Seattle at the afternoon. When I
stopped here at late morning there was no wind at all and no cloud and the lake
water were completely flat. A perfect reflection of the mountains into the lake
calm turquoise water.
When coming at
the afternoon the change in weather (clouds and wind level) change the view
dramatically.
The visit:
From this high
looking viewing point, you will enjoy the lake views from both sides and see the
high mountains that rise around the lake from all it sides.
On the distance
you can see the historic Diablo Dam top section with arches stractures.
Diablo lake is one
of three lakes in the area that are manmade as part of the Skagit River
Hydroelectric Project. The three large dams are holding the lakes water and are
used for power generation. The two other lakes are Ross Lake to the northeast
and Gorge Lake to the west.
The distinctive
turquoise color of the lake is the result of suspended fine rock particles that
enter the lake when glacier melts, especially during the late summer months.
The small rock particle (like flour) float in water for a long time and they reflect
mostly green light.
The rocks are eroded by the glacier and flows into the water through glacial streams that are feeding the lake.
The color is impressive manly on clear sunny days where you
have good sunshine reflection from the lake.
www:
https://www.nps.gov/places/diablo-lake-overlook.htm
Additional Pictures:
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