Fall delights when golden larches and crimson huckleberry bushes blaze across the mountains. Up for more of a challenge? Hike the 7.2 mile Maple Pass Loop Trail (less steep counterclockwise) for outstanding views. ![]() Take the 1 mile, accessible paved trail to Rainy Lake (W4) to examine local flora and waterfall. Twenty-four miles from here is the Rainy Pass Picnic Area (H10), located within the Okanogan National Forest. Just after the Overlook, the Happy Creek Forest Walk (H7) is an accessible boardwalk that features informative interpretive panels about the forest. There are many hiking opportunities for all levels. The incredible emerald green color is caused by the suns reflection on glacier-ground rock dust suspended in the water. Just after the bridge, the Lake Diablo Overlook (V1) is a must stop for incomparable views of the surrounding Cascades, Pickets, Diablo Lake, and more. Moments after this, you will see Diablo and Diablo Lake (W1) popular with swimmers and boaters. There is a parking area and pedestrian walkway to the overlook. Just past the Gorge Dam, stop at the Gorge Creek Falls (H6) which cascade into Gorge Lake. Check the Forest Service website for road conditions and dates. Note the visitor center is closed from Nov. From here, there are a few trails, including a recommended 200-foot paved trail to an overlook of the Picket Range, a range contained entirely within the North Cascades National Park, and a one mile hike to examine the Skagit River up close. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center (I2) to learn more about the area through exhibits and video presentation. You will definitely want to take advantage of the many turn outs for photos. Views of glacier-topped jagged peaks, waterfalls, rivers and lush forest are breathtaking. This area includes Ross Lake, Gorge Lake, and Diablo Lake (W1). Six miles east of Marblemount is the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (H5). If you were to continue on WA-530 towards Darrington, you would access the Mountain Loop Highway.Īs you approach Marblemount, you should note that there are very few gas stations for the next 90 miles, making this a good time to check your gas tank. Note all Washington State Parks require a day use fee or use your Discover Pass.Īt Rockport, the WA-530 joins the WA-20. The trailhead is just past Rockport State park along the gravel Sauk Mountain Road (FS 1030). A 4.2-mile roundtrip to the summit of Sauk Mountain rewards with incredible views. Trails explore the forest and offer a chance to observe birds and wildlife. This creates a dense canopy where minimal sunlight reaches the ground and the original ecosystem still remains. Rockport State Park (H1) is a beautiful, old growth forest that has never been logged. Howard Miller Steelhead Park offers year-round tent and RV camping, fishing, rafting and hiking trails. ![]() The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park (H9) features eagle presentations, viewing stations and boat tours. Learn more about this majestic bird and its habitat during the Skagit Eagle Festival held the entire month of January with activities in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount. From Concrete, you can reach Shannon Lake (W3) and Baker Lake (W2) by following Baker River Road and Baker Lake Road to enjoy fishing, boating and water-skiing.Īs you continue east on WA-20 from Concrete, lookout for eagles during winter, as this location is home to the second largest eagle gathering in the United States, the first being Alaska. There is a small parking area if you want to take photos of the iconic signage. Giant concrete silos stating “Welcome to Concrete” will greet you. In twenty-four miles, you approach the town of Concrete. Don’t miss a chance to stock up on fresh, local picnic goodies. The drive travels alongside the Skagit River passing many farms offering seasonal bounty of apples, berries, pumpkins and honey and some featuring U-Pick experiences. Diablo Lake along the Northern Cascades Highway
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |