Paddling Diablo Lake, Washington

You never forget the first time you experience Diablo Lake. 

Its waters are milky light green, like a copper penny that's been outside too long.  What's more is Diablo's water is iridescent, as if lit from below.  When seen close-up boats appears as though they are hovering over a valley filled with illuminated green fog.

Incredible.

Once you get past the other-worldly water you notice the cathedral-like surroundings.  Shear cliffs rise from the lake.  On the face of the Cascades whole environs are seen.

There is just something special about this place.

What You Need To Know About Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake is located about a three hour drive from Seattle.  It is a cold, glacier-fed lake.  It gets its green color from glacier silt that's suspended in the water.  Glacier silt is very finely ground particles of bedrock which flow out from beneath a glacier in the meltwater.

The lake exists because of a hydroelectric dam built by the power company known as Seattle City Light.  Diablo Lake receives water from its bigger and less-accessible sister, Ross Lake.

Diablo Lake is located in a mountain pass.  Conditions change very quickly.  Wind and chop are major factors when paddling.  Conditions are generally calm until about lunch time.  I recommend arriving early, getting on the water by 8am so you can be off by noon if the winds start howling through the canyons.

While a reasonable (3 hour) drive from Seattle, Diablo Lake is located in a wilderness area.  There is no nearby lodging, restaurants, fuel or stores.

WARNING: Be prepared for the cold water.  Lake temperatures are similar to ice water all year.  If you tip over, you must be prepared to recover fast while in the water.  Hypothermia sets in quickly in this environment.  Because of the shear cliffs there are very few beaches to which you might swim.  The scenery may be God's handiwork, but they named the lake after the devil.

Directions To Diablo Lake

The simplest way is to take I-5 north out of Seattle.  When you get to Exit 232 in the Mount Veron area, head east on State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway).  In about 50 miles, stop where 20 meets Diablo Lake (pictured above) at the Colonial Creek Campground.

Getting there can be half the fun if you allow just a little more time.  I recommend the more interesting and scenic drive through Darrington.  Take I-5 north from Seattle.  Exit at State Route 530 in Arlington.  Take 530 east through Darrington.  530 then heads north out of Darrington and joins with 20 (North Cascade Highway).  This route doesn't take much longer than the one mentioned above and is more enjoyable.

Regardless of how you made it to 20, the last stop for food and gas is the small town of Marblemount (about 30 miles from Diablo Lake).  The very last town you will find before entering the wilderness area is Newhalen, 15 miles east of Marblemount. 

Newhalen was built by Seattle City Light to give its electric workers a place to live.  I recommend stopping at the visitors center in Newhalen (first right as you head in to town).  I also recommend that you make the last right on the way out of town.  Stop at the Gorge power station (you'll see it from the highway)  It's a short walk across the suspension bridge to see Ladder Creek Falls (located behind the power station).  While you are there, check out the inside of the power station and the gardens surrounding it.   This is a well kept secret and worth 30-60 minute stop.  Photos and more information can be found on Page 4 of this web site.  

A lot of folks like the Seattle City Light tour called Diablo Lake Adventure which also starts in Newhalen.  The tour runs during the summer and requires reservations in advance.

Diablo Lake Launch Site 

Turn off 20 (North Cascades Highway) at the Colonial Creek Campground.  The above pictured ranger station will greet you at the entrance.  You can park in the lot located immediately behind this station.

The put-in is the Diablo Lake Boat Ramp.  It can be found a couple hundred feet in front of the ranger station.

The ramp features a tie-off dock.

There are more pictures and information about paddling Diablo Lake.  Click here to see more.  You may also click here to return to the Seattle Kayak & Canoe Guide.

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