North Cascades

(Newhalem WA)
North Cascades National Park was a place I really wanted to see. After finding a site near the Skagit River, I hiked to the Visitor Center and saw the displays about the area. Then out onto a short boardwalk with a viewpoint of the Picket Range.

Snow capped mountains

Picket Range

River, pines, mountains

Skagit River

Next, I hiked the River Loop trail along the Skagit. Nice enough, but it was difficult to get good photos. On the other hand, the Rock Shelter trail was a gem. The path went through the forest and along Newhalem Creek which was a superb walk.

Moss covered trees and path

Path in forest on Rock Shelter Trail

Rapids and rocks in creek

Newhalem Creek

After a few days at Newhalem Creek Campground, I went up the road to see Ladder Creek Falls. Across the Skagit on a footbridge, through a garden, and up an easy trail to the falls. There were several observation points to take photos.

Stream cascading over rocks

Ladder Creek

Waterfall and ferns

Ladder Creek Falls

Further up the road was an overlook of Gorge Dam. Followed by Gorge Creek Falls tumbling down a very narrow gorge, which was awesome. Amazing views of cliffs and mountains along the highway too.

Dam in mountain gorge

Gorge Dam

Long narrow waterfall down cliff

Gorge Creek Falls

(Diablo WA)
Spent a couple of days at Colonial Creek Campground near Diablo Lake. Hiked the Thunder Creek trail up to the footbridge. There were some interesting sights in the forest along the path.

Mossed covered tree trunk

Huge Tree along Thunder Creek Trail

Lake, mountains, clouds

Thunder Lake

Hiked over to Colonial Creek before leaving. On the way out of the park, I stopped to get a photo of Diablo Lake. There were so many spectacular cliffs and mountains, with much obscured by the rain clouds. If only I had passed through when it was clear.

Rushing stream after rain

Colonial Creek

Lake with cloud shrouded mountains

Diablo Lake

Many of the most amazing places in the national park are in wilderness areas which are inaccessible by motorized vehicles. Like the over 300 glaciers in the park, and the many alpine lakes. However, what I did get to see was worth the trip.

Camps: North Cascades NP-Newhalem Creek CG, Colonial Creek CG
Scene: Creeks, river, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forest

4 Responses to North Cascades

  1. Dizzy-Dick August 9, 2014 at 1:20 am #

    That is a beautiful park. I am glad you got to enjoy it and walk the trails. Thanks for taking us along. . .

    • Pleinguy August 9, 2014 at 2:36 am #

      Appreciate the comment. Happy you like the post.

  2. Upriverdavid August 10, 2014 at 4:05 am #

    Ah, Colonial Creek, my sleeping bag and tent were almost in the middle of it when camping with the Boy Scouts. This was in the early 60’s when the road was being built. Had a great time and a learning experience…Camp away from a creekbed in case it rains for 3 days…..
    David

    • Pleinguy August 10, 2014 at 4:26 am #

      Very good advice about not being too close to the water. Experience is the best teacher.

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