Washington Pass Overlook, North Cascades Highway

The overlook at Washington Pass is another must see stop on the North Cascades Highway. At over 5,400 feet, it offers great views of Liberty Bell Mountain and the highway as it continues east.

It is just a short walk from the parking lot to the overlook and the views are amazing.

Whistler Basin, North Cascades Highway

One of the many views along the North Cascades Highway on the west side of the passes.

Cascade Dawn

The North Cascade Mountains from Oak Harbor at dawn today.

Mt Baker Dawn

The view of Mt. Baker this morning from the west side of Oak Harbor.

August Sunrise

The view this morning in Oak Harbor.

Rainy Lake, North Cascades Highway

The short (2 mile round trip) hike to Rainy Lake is one not to miss. The parking lot is at Rainy Pass. Several trails leave from that lot so it is very busy on the weekends. The trail to the lake is wheelchair accessible, paved with very little elevation gain. The view is certainly worth the walk. There's even a small waterfall along the way.

Diablo Lake Vista Point

There are a number of places along the North Cascades Highway to park and enjoy the view. Davis Peak is to the NW of Diablo Lake.

Pyramid Peak is to the south, looking toward the Colonial Creek Campground. No matter which direction you look, there are mountains.

Gorge Creek Falls

I always like to stop at the parking lot before the open grate bridge over Gorge Creek on the North Cascades Highway. The creek was low when we were there a few weeks ago and the view through the grate was rather unimpressive. The Gorge Creek falls are to the north in this view from the bridge.

Ladder Creek Falls and Gardens

We crossed over a footbridge behind the power house in Newhalem to wander through the gardens sponsored by Seattle City Light.

The path is a little precarious with rocks and stone steps. There are a few waterfalls and the foliage is generally native to the area.

Newhalem and Forest Fires

The hills around Newhalem and the North Cascades Visitor Center experienced a fire in August, 2015. The Goodell fire was caused by lightening and burned thousands of acres. Burned trees are still seen on the near hillsides.

Trail of the Cedars, Newhalem

On a recent drive over the North Cascades Highway we stopped at Newhalem and took the informative Trail of the Cedars. My father was a logger and I love to be in the forest. Trees were identified with signs and their characteristics identified. This would be a great short hike for families.

The trail is across the Skagit River from Newhalem so we got to cross over on a nice walking bridge.

North Cascades National Park Visitor Center

One of the glaciers of the Picket Range in the North Cascades seen from the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center.