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.

Picket Range

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.

Path in forest on Rock Shelter Trail

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.

Ladder Creek

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.

Gorge Dam

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.

Huge Tree along Thunder Creek Trail

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.

Colonial Creek

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