Today we decided to visit North Cascades NP. When we left the coach this morning the temperature was 65 degrees. When we got back at 2 p.m. the temperature was already105 degrees. Washington State is in a severe heat alert. We are looking at temperatures reaching 111 degrees. This has never happened to this region of the country.
Its late June and the snow is still along the roadway. This is our first time visiting North Cascades NP. Due to the extreme temperatures in the region we do not plan to hike any trails.
Waterfalls are abundant all along the Hwy 20 throughout the park.
The Skagit River in in northwest Washington is home to some truly beautiful dams. Built between 1921 and 1953 as part of Seattle City Light's quest to provide electricity for City of Seattle, they are in the middle of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (surrounded by North Cascades National Park), This is Diablo Dam. it is the smaller of two Dams and the first one we encountered.
As you enter the park from the East you immediately look upon the snow covered terrain.
You cab see in this photo where the water is controlled as it moves along the waterway. There are several of these sections along Ross Lake.
Another waterfall,
This waterfall is along the roadway. We did see some kids cooling off.
One of two tunnels within the park. This is the longest one. Bike riders need to push a button so that lights flash on the outside to let you know riders are traveling through the tunnel.
A good photo showing the mountain top along with the moon.
Ross Lake National Recreation Area is the most accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and much more during their trip. The national recreation area includes three reservoirs: Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake.
An 80' waterfall at Gorge Lake.
The open grate is the reason Kathy did not take this photo!
You can see the jagged edges at the top of the mountains. It means that the mountain continues to grow.
We stopped at this location for a flagman and a follow me truck. They were resurfacing the roadway along this section. Only a slight delay.
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States, and southwestern British Columbia,Canada. The lake runs approximately north-south, is 23 miles long, up to 1.5 miles wide, and the full reservoir elevation is 1,604 feet above sea level.
