Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. Diablo Lake
Thelake isremarkable foritsjade-green color,whichiscaused byglacial flour(suspended
rock sediments that refract the light). On summer weekends, visitors can cruise the man-
made lake by motor launch—one of several available Skagit Tours. For magnificent views
of the gemlike lake, the dam, and the glacier-honed peaks that encircle them, drive to the
overlook on the southeastern shore of the lake. For a hiker's perspective, take the Thunder
Creek Trail, which begins at the Colonial Creek Campground and weaves through miles of
dense forest.
7. Ross Lake Overlook & Happy Creek
AfewmileseastofDiabloLake,onecanseethesouthernarmofRossLake—animmense,
12,000-acre body of water that snakes some 25 miles through the mountains to the Cana-
dian border. Just beyond the Ross Dam trailhead, the accessible Happy Creek Forest Walk
formsa.3mileloopandprovidesaccesstoamorerustictrailleadingtoHappyCreekFalls.
FromhereS.R.20swingssouththroughOkanoganNationalForest,wherevisitorscanride
horses and burros on backcountry trails.
8. Rainy Pass
State Route 20 climbs gradually toward Rainy Pass, which at 4,855 feet is one of the finest
lookout points in the area. Here the highway crosses the Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail—a hiker's paradise that extends from Canada to Mexico. A paved trail leads to deep
blue Rainy Lake, where visitors can gaze at a waterfall, a glacier, and the surrounding
peaks. In fall the bright golden leaves of mountain ash are mirrored in the lake.
9. Whistler Basin Overlook
In spring the melting snow on Whistler Mountain feeds waterfalls that cascade down steep
slopes into Whistler Basin. In summer the nearby alpine meadow is thickly quilted with
wildflowers.Beonthelookoutfordeer,marmots,andpikas—especiallyintheearlymorn-
ing hours and at dusk.
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