North Cascades Loop - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 64

states).AnationalforestandparkinformationcenterontheeasternedgeofSedro-Woolley
helps visitors get off to an informed start in their explorations of the region.
2. Baker Lake
At Concrete head north off the North Cascades Highway (S.R. 20) and follow Forest Ser-
vice Road 11 to 9-mile-long Baker Lake. A recreational reservoir east of snowcapped Mt.
Baker—a 10,781-foot volcano that on occasion still spews out clouds of steam—the lake
is a popular place for hiking, canoeing, and angling for trout and sockeye salmon. Osprey
and eagles are frequently sighted at Baker Lake.
3. Rockport State Park
A mecca for hikers and picnickers, Rockport State Park contains groves of old-growth
Douglas fir up to 300 feet tall. More than five miles of trails crisscross the park, some al-
lowing close-up views of wetlands and the forest understory, and others leading to sunny
overlooks.
4. Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area
Between Rockport and Marblemount, S.R. 20 passes the Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural
Area—some 1,500 acres that have been set aside as a sanctuary for the hundreds of bald
eagles that arrive in late fall. From their perches in cottonwood trees along the banks of
the river, the birds eye the water, then dive for salmon and steelhead. Visitors can view
the birds from river rafts (launched from Marblemount) or from various turnouts along the
route. Volunteer Eagle Watchers share telescopes and information with visitors along the
route on winter weekends, and the Howard Miller Steelhead Park hosts the Skagit River
Bald Eagle Interpretive Center each winter, with camping year round.
5. Gorge Creek Falls
Entering the National Park Complex, S.R. 20 follows the free flowing Skagit River to the
town of Newhalem, where Gorge Powerhouse can be viewed. Stop for a hike or to chat
with on-site park rangers at the North Cascades Visitor Center, open from May through
October.Just3mileseastofNewhalem,GorgeCreekcascadeshundredsoffeetoverledges
and boulders. For a thrilling perspective on the stream, stand on the steel bridge and peer
through the grating into the turbulent water 900 feet below. An accessible trail offers addi-
tional views and glimpses of the dam.