For those of you unfamiliar with this relatively obscure National Park, North Cascades is located in north-central Washington nestled up against the Canadian Border. North Cascades became our 34th Park in October of 1968.
There are no paved roads within the bounds of the Park which is almost entirely designated as wilderness. The road we took on our Tour (Hwy 20) runs thru an area designated as the Ross Lake Recreation Area....so we never actually laid foot in the Park!
The "lifeblood" of this region is the Skagit River which originates in British Columbia, flows into Ross and Diablo Lakes and terminates into the Puget Sound. We were told by a local artist that you could find salmon spawning in the river. We hiked down to the riverfront with Clayton, the resident volunteer Park Ranger, to catch a view of the fish...however, me thinks the artist was delusional!
Two dams create astonishing lakes along the Skagit. Ross Dam and Diablo Dam. This shot was taken from the Diablo Lake Overlook.
There are no accommodations within the bounds of North Cascades National Park...lest you pack your tent and set up camp in the wilderness. Ross Lake does have a Resort with cabins and such that is accessible either by foot or by boat.
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which stretches from the Canadian to the Mexican borders, originates just east the Park and does pass thru it in the southern section.
Clayton recommended that during our visit to North Cascades we take the short hike to Rainy Lake which is situated on the eastern side of the Park. Along the path we spied this creepy looking red growth hiding under the bushes.
It didn't appear to be a mushroom nor a fungus. It didn't seem to be breathing or moving...so we just left the Thing there to do whatever it does!
Creek along Rainy Lake Trail
The primary color of the forest along the Rainy lake Trail is green. Dark green. Light Green. And every green in between. Green here. Green there. Green everywhere!
So it came to be a visually pleasant surprise to find brilliant reds mingling amongst the greenery!
Outside of an occasional squirrel, here was no wildlife to view while hiking the Rainy Lake Trail so we took to looking for things of color. Anything NOT Green. Ah ha! We happen upon a small colony of brightly colored mushrooms residing on the butt end of a fallen log!
Not to be left out...we found Freddy Fungi hanging out amongst the trees.
At the end of the completely flat and entirely paved mile long Rainy Lake Trail...you come to the glacially formed Rainy Lake! The air was still thus creating a perfect mirror reflection of the adjacent mountains upon the water.
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The Rainy Lake Trail provided no physical challenge so up the Blue Lake Trail we go! This one is 2.2 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1100'! That's more like it! I go for those trails listed in the guidebooks as "strenuous"!
The mountains in and around the Park are as rugged and jagged as they come. The peaks reminded me of the Grand Tetons with their sawtooth appearance.
Another glacially formed body of water, the serene and pristine Blue Lake appeared to have never been touched by man. As with many of our hikes...we found ourselves to be the only humans present. A great spot for a picnic and meditation.
Unlike our Barnes Creek Trail hike in Olympic, our Blue Lake trek had a destination. What we've come to be fond of are "loop trails" or "destination trails". These are much more desirable than just wandering off into the woods...only to turn around and retrace your steps...like we did on the Barnes Creek.
I'm not sure I would call the color of this Lake "blue". To Terry and I, it appeared to be jade, or turquoise or some combination of those two colors.
Prior to our journey to the Pacific Northwest, Terry and I invested in waterproof rain gear fully anticipating soggy hiking conditions. Like most purchases of this nature...if you buy it and bring it along with you...you will never have to use it! Now if you buy it and leave it behind...it will rain every day! (Murf's Law)
On our return back to the car from atop Blue Lake...a gentle rain began to fall. Finally! We gleefully broke out our rain gear....put it on...walked another 200 yards...and the rain stopped. Off with the rain gear!
Called the "most beautiful mountain highway in Washington", Hwy 20 officially connected western Washington to eastern Washington on September 2, 1972. Daniel Evans (governor of Washington at the time) and a host of dignitaries were on hand that day for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. They were to be the first to travel the newly completed road.
Driving Evans' limo, and the first official guy to traverse the Pass, was none other than serial killer Ted Bundy!
At 5277', Washington Pass is the highest point along the road which typically is closed from mid-November thru April 20th.
Liberty Bell Mountain stands tall in the background. Perhaps one must view this mountain from another angle to get the true feeling of the "Bell". From our angle, I didn't see the resemblance.
Peering down on Hwy 20 as it winds its way into eastern Washington.
Last look at Diablo Lake
This being my favorite view of North Cascades National Park... (and ironically, it isn't even in the Park)...I needed one last look at the emerald waters, puffy white clouds and the forests green!
Well folks, this concludes our Summer Treks. We've covered a lot of territory in the past four months and have knocked out 21 of our intended 40 National Parks. These journeys have definitely been a life changing experience for both Terry and I. In the process of planning, packing and trekking together, the bond that ties the two of us together has become stronger than ever.
Additionally, I have gained a giant sense of appreciation for all of those people who had the foresight and a hand in preserving these Parks for us and our future generations. I've also come to develop an understanding of what the phrase "community of life" is all about. More on that topic another time as it gets deep into the source code of my heart and soul!
Our next scheduled Trek will take us to Saguaro National Park this November. This Park's but a stones throw from our Casa so we'll pack up the Hob and do a bit of camping.
Until then...Happy Trails my friends...and be kind to our community!
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