North Cascades Highway, Washington - Photos Page 4 of 4

Wide view of the largest island in Diablo Lake.

Diablo Lake is a working reservoir.  Barge traffic moves between the Diablo Lake Dam and the Ross Lake Dam upstream.

A view of the various environs that can be seen in the Diablo Lake area...from forest, to subalpine, to barren above-the-tree-line.

Diablo Lake as viewed from the scenic overlook off Highway 20.

Once you are off the water you may consider taking the drive east of Diablo Lake.  The North Cascades Highway has some incredible scenery.  This picture shows subalpine meadows found several miles east of Diablo Lake.

The highly scenic portion of the North Cascades Highway ends at this horse shoe turn, approximately 30 miles east of Diablo Lake.  From here the road descends quickly into the high desert east of the Cascade range.  The charming western-themed town of Winthrop is the first major stop for gas, food and lodging east of the Cascades.

In the summer, the two lane North Cascades Highway can be quite busy.  Many times traffic is slowed by RVs that don't have enough power to make it up the steep grades.  It may take about an hour to get from Diablo Lake to this horse shoe curve.  The total round trip time of 2 hours (Diablo Lake to the horse shoe curve and back) that you invest is worth it.  The North Cascades scenery is very memorable.

Higher elevations of the North Cascades Highway close for the winter.

Looking east from the horse shoe curve as Highway 20 descends into the high desert east of the Cascades.

Head back towards Seattle from Diablo Lake by traveling west on Highway 20.  You'll quickly come across Newhalen, the Seattle City Light town mentioned earlier.  Your return trip is the perfect time to stop at the Gorge power plant on the east side of Newhalen.  Park just off Highway 20 and walk across the pictured suspension bridge.

Behind the Gorge power station is Ladder Falls.  Ladder Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls.  The power company illuminates the falls at night with various colored lights.  There are gardens located between Ladder Falls and the power station.

Stop inside the George hydroelectric power station to see the turbines.  Rest rooms are also available here.

Together, the paddle at Diablo Lake and drive along the North Cascades Highway will make for a long day.  But what you experience will make it worthwhile.  This is arguably the most beautiful area in Western Washington.  I hope this information will help you get the most from your Diablo Lake adventure!

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