There is a parking area and pedestrian walkway to the overlook. Gorge Creek: Just past the Gorge Dam, stop at the Gorge Creek Falls, which cascade into Gorge Lake. Check the National Forest Service website for road conditions and dates. Note the visitor center is closed from November to spring. From here, there are a few trails, including a recommended 200-foot paved trail to an overlook of the Picket Range, a range contained entirely within the North Cascades National Park, and a one-mile hike to examine the Skagit River up close. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center to learn more about the area through exhibits and video presentation. Newhalem: In nine miles you arrive in Newhalem. One of the sites you'll see at Newhalem/North Cascades Visitor Center. You will definitely want to take advantage of the many turn outs for photos. Views of glacier-topped jagged peaks, waterfalls, rivers and lush forest are breathtaking. This area includes Ross Lake, Gorge Lake and Diablo Lake. Ross Lake National Recreation Area: Six miles east of Marblemount is the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. If you were to continue on WA-530 towards Darrington, you would access the Mountain Loop Highway. As you approach Marblemount, you should note that there are very few gas stations for the next 90 miles, making this a good time to check your gas tank. Highway 20 to Marblemount: At Rockport, the WA-530 joins the WA-20. Note all Washington State Parks require a day-use fee or use your Discover Pass. The trailhead is just past Rockport State park along the gravel Sauk Mountain Road (FS 1030). Sauk Mountain: A 4.2-mile roundtrip to the summit of Sauk Mountain rewards with incredible views. Trails explore the forest and offer a chance to observe birds and wildlife. This creates a dense canopy where minimal sunlight reaches the ground and the original ecosystem still remains. Rockport State Park: Rockport State Park is a beautiful, old-growth forest that has never been logged. Howard Miller Steelhead Park offers year-round tent and RV camping, fishing, rafting and hiking trails. The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, features eagle presentations, viewing stations and boat tours. Learn more about this majestic bird and its habitat during the Skagit Eagle Festival, held the entire month of January with activities in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount. From Concrete, you can reach Shannon Lake and Baker Lake by following Baker River Road and Baker Lake Road to enjoy fishing, boating and water-skiing (in the summer).Įagles: As you continue east on WA-20 from Concrete, look out for eagles during winter, as this location is home to the second largest eagle gathering in the United States, the first being Alaska. There is a small parking area if you want to take photos of the iconic signage. Giant concrete silos stating “Welcome to Concrete” will greet you. Don’t miss a chance to stock up on fresh, local picnic goodies.Ĭoncrete: In 24 miles, you approach the town of Concrete. Skagit River: The drive travels alongside the Skagit River, passing many farms offering seasonal bounty of apples, berries, pumpkins and honey, with some featuring U-pick experiences. Check road conditions before heading out near these dates. Note that the North Cascades Highway is closed from mid-November to April. To get to Sedro Woolley, take Exit 230 off of I-5 and follow WA-20 East, or head north on WA-9. Where to start: This mountain scenic drive begins in Sedro Woolley. Prepare for sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, wildlife-watching opportunities and recreation galore. The North Cascades Highway is the first National Scenic Highway in the United States. Find the My Scenic Drives backstory here. Editor's note: This road trip was first published on My Scenic Drives, where you can find a more detailed itinerary, and tools to create a custom road trip, as well as numerous other road trip ideas.
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