Founded in 1971, it is based in Washington, D.C. and offers four classes of travel: First Class, Sleeper, Business and Coach. The cost-effective way to get from Seattle Airport (SEA) to Diablo Lake is to drive, which costs $25-$40 and takes 2h 58m. Heather Maple Loop is likely too challenging for your kids based on the length and elevation gain. or more information on why you should visit the park. Need more details on the distances between these two locations? What is the North Cascades National Park Entrance Fee? There are many boating options, from motorboats to kayaks, and getting in the water for a paddle is recommended. Washington Situated in the North Cascade mountains of Washington state, Diablo Lake lays between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at the height of 1,201 feet (366 m). The cheapest way to get from Portland to Diablo Lake costs only $53, and the quickest way takes just 5 hours. Blue Lake Trail is also great for hiking with kids. The trail is mostly flat, with some slight uphill and downhill portions. My name is Alaina, and I am excited to share my travel experiences with you all. The most popular spot to see the lake is at the overlook along HWY 20. If you are thinking that is a lot, then let me put this in perspective. That gorgeous blue-green hue is caused by tiny rock particles eroded by the ice in the glacier water that flows into the lake. Some of the restaurants have riverside patios with music. As you head back on the highway and dusk begins to fall, remember the light show atLadder Creek Falls (it looks different at night even if you saw it during the day already)and pop by for a look before you head home. Either way, there is an elevation gain of around 2000 feet and breathtaking views. It takes approximately 4h 20m to get from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA), including transfers. Rome2Rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak, Seattle is a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. There are 3 ways to get from Seattle to Diablo Lake by bus, taxi, train or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. 4. North Cascades in the background. The parking for the trailhead is just off the highway. Time, money, and the general busyness of life often restrict us to only one day. If you agree, then you are in the right place. How far is North Cascades National Park from Seattle? If youre spending aweekend in Winthrop (a nearby town that I love! Seattle is the northernmost large city in the United States. From Seattle it's 3-hours. The road distance is 138.6 miles. The quickest way to get from Diablo Lake to Seattle is to drive which costs 20-30 and takes 2h 41m. Check AllTrails before heading out to see if others have reported snow or ice on the trail recently. According to U.S. Census data released in 2018, the Seattle metropolitan area's population stands at 3.98 million, and ranks as the 15th-largest in the United States. Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan, acres of fresh-cut hay and farmland in the Methow Valley and Skagit Valleys, and miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North . ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' 12 Cool Things to Do in Winthrop, WA: Weekend Itinerary Youll want to add this to your Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, the 74acre Seattle Center is an arts, educational, tourism and entertainment center in Seattle. Summer is the perfect time to visit since it stays lighter out longer. One of the most important things to note when planning your day trip to North Cascades is the main highway into the park closes during the winter months and most of the spring (meaning this is not a place to go for spring hikes around Washington). It is definitely an underrated national park. However, the closest international airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the city. Regarding hiking trails, North Cascades National Park is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for nature lovers. Map from Seattle to Diablo Lake. Your email address will not be published. Keen fishermen will enjoy casting out a line in the hopes of catching the native Rainbow Trout. It takes approximately 4h 58m to get from Seattle to Diablo Lake, including transfers. Of course, the time it takes depends on you, the activities you choose to do, and the hikes you want to explore. There is some public transportation available from the airport to the national park. Rome2Rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak. However, I highly recommend spending the night, if possible, to fully enjoy the park. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The Skagit Valley was formed via runoff from Cordilleran Glacier. Lara Dunning. Secure Parking Included! Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. [3], The Diablo Dam is a part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which is owned and operated by Seattle City Light. Both routes involve a steep climb that may not be suitable for unfit visitors, but its still one of the best places to hike in Washington. This is one of, if not the, most popular viewpoints in the entire . Otherwise, you can book a campground within the national park and truly embrace nature for the weekend. Lorna Johnston takes in the view on a typical -- that is, windy -- afternoon at Diablo Lake. Need another reason to make a day trip to North Cascades National Park? I organized the stops on this itinerary for your day trip to North Cascades in such a way that you can choose to start at the visitor center and drive east or start in Winthrop and drive west on Highway 20. Seattle Center is located just north of Belltown in the Uptown neighborhood. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Getting Here Through Canada However, there are many places youll want to stop here, so account for that when planning your day. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA) easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Im always up here the second I hear that theyre starting to show. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Flight Distance 95 Flight Time How far is it from Seattle? If you come here during a few select weeks in the fall, youll be treated to one of the best hikes for larches in Washington. , Washington is a paradise for those who love waterfront fun but sometimes, nothing tops a day at the lake. Unfortunately the Diablo Lake Overlook is not well marked with a sign, but you will see the lake and parking lot from the highway. Diablo Lake is tucked inside North Cascades National Park and the parking lot for the Diablo Lake Trail can be accessed from Diablo Dam Road off North Cascades Highway (SR 20). Unfortunately the Diablo Lake Overlook is not well marked with a sign, but you will see the lake and parking lot from the highway. If you were to drive the length of the highway without stopping while visiting North Cascades National Park, itd take you about 1.5 hours. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Your email address will not be published. Find all the transport options for your trip from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA) right here. Your next two stops on your Seattle to North Cascades National Park trip will be Ladder Creek Falls, if you choose to do the trail in the morning, and Gorge Overlook. Directions - Winthrop Washington Yes, the driving distance between Diablo Lake to Seattle is 199 km. With an estimated 744,955 residents, Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Otherwise, you can rent a car or utilize a ride share service. The third stop of the day trip to North Cascades National Park is the Gorge Creek Overlook. Diablo Lake - Wikipedia We offer truck portage between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. Driving Directions from Seattle to Diablo Lake - Distance To | Distance The best way to get from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA) without a car is to taxi and bus and line 201 bus and line 512 bus and tram which takes 4h 53m and costs $130-$170. There are 306+ hotels available in Seattle Airport (SEA). Diablo Lake receives the flow of many glaciers, including Boston Glacier high on the flanks of 8,845-foot Mount Forbidden. 10 BEST Things to Do at Diablo Lake - 10 Best Cities in the Western It takes approximately 2h 40m to drive from Seattle to Diablo Lake. If youre searching for day trip ideas in Washington, then weve got you covered. In July 2013, it was the fastest-growing major city in the United States and remained in the top 5 in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. I will lay out the main attractions and activities for a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle. Paul Joseph Brown/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. I highly recommend getting out of your car to admire the stunning vistas and snap some pictures of one of the most popular things to do in North Cascades National Park. With an estimated 744,955 residents, Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Diablo Lake to Seattle easy. Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking. Mountain views Dogs allowed on leash Lakes Parking Pass/Entry Fee None You have some beautiful hikes coming up. Find all the transport options for your trip from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA) right here. Can You Drive Through North Cascades National Park? Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Diablo Lake from Seattle - Seattle Forum - Tripadvisor Mount Vernon Westchester County NY USA to Seattle, Greenville Spartanburg Airport GSP to Seattle. Pristine Diablo Lake is ringed by dramatic mountains up to 6,000 feet in elevation. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. There is no direct connection from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA). Required fields are marked *. Now that summer is in full swing, you should really make the most of it. Hello Thanks to the crush of glaciers, rock sediment is ground into a 'rock flour' that feeds into Diablo Lake from glacial streams and is fine enough to be suspended in the water. Taking a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle only takes two hours to get to the west entrance. Your stomach might be grumbling by this point, and if so, check out the charming and quaint town of Winthrop. Diablo Lake is now one of the most . The Market opened August 17, 1907, and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. However, you can explore the area west of Diablo Lake and access Winthrop by going on Highway 2 to Leavenworth, north to Chelan, and up to Winthrop during your North Cascades day trip. Wherever I go, my goal is to inspire you to travel there with my travel tips. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The lake, which was created by Diablo Dam, is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River. If it isnt too late and you havent eaten yet, stop byBirdsview Brewing Companyon the west part of Highway 20 for a burger and beer (I always stop here at least one trip a year!). It is a modern facility with views of the Downtown Seattle skyline and can seat 69,000people. Now that summer is in full swing, you should really make the most of it. The 7-mile hike meanders through various terrains offering glimpses of the pretty lake along the way. If you do not want to leave just yet and have some extra time to explore, check out the nearby information center, general store, or Ladder Creek Falls. Directions - North Cascades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) During the warmer months, you can also take the Diablo Lake Ferry to get to the gorgeous lake. The best way to get from Seattle to Diablo Lake without a car is to bus and taxi which takes 4h 58m and costs 120-170. There is the possibility of a North Cascades highway loop, but this route takes at least two days. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Rome2Rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. You read that right it costs $0 to enter the park. All Rights Reserved. Amtrak trains are known for their wide seats, plug-in power, big windows and storage capabilities. How to Plan a Perfect North Cascades National Park Itinerary A Rare Find! Another nearby national park with beautiful turquoise as well as crystal clear lakes is Banff National Park, which is located not too far across the border in Canada. These are the most stunning trees youll see in the state, and theyre pretty rare youll only see them for about 2-3 weeks during late September or early October. Amtrak is a rail service that connects the US and three Canadian provinces. You can take a Greyhound bus to Mount Vernon or Leavenworth, but youll still have to get yourself from there to the park. Hi Lera, I dont know of any tours or groups that go up here, but I do know if youre looking to do hikes there are a few groups to find people to go with (Washington Hikers and Climbers is one). You might see some kayakers on the lake who are utilizing one of the nearby boat-in campgrounds, but mostly, it stays quiet and peaceful. On clear days at Diablo Lake the colors are otherworldly. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The venue hosts concerts, trade shows, and consumer shows along with sporting events. The complex also includes the Event Center with the WaMu Theater, a parking garage, and a public plaza. If you would like to book lodging outside of the national park, then check out options in, Another nearby national park with beautiful turquoise as well as crystal clear lakes is. Ive got you covered, whether youre planning a quick North Cascades day trip or thinking about spending a few days soaking up all the North Cascades vibes. The Diablo Lake Overlook is 11-miles east of Newhalem on State Route 20. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Rome2Rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Additionally, my boyfriend found a fallen tree and walked out along the trunk. The quickest way to get from Seattle to Diablo Lake is to drive which costs 20-30 and takes 2h 40m. If you would like to book lodging outside of the national park, then check out options in Concrete and Winthrop. I always start at the visitors center in every U.S. national park to see the trail conditions and confirm my plans with a ranger. Diablo Lake - WA100: A Washington Geotourism Website Diablo Lake: Best Lake In Washington For A Summer Day Trip The first stop of the day trip to North Cascades National Park is Diablo Lake Vista Point. Additionally, be sure to check out some of the other national parks located on the west coast. Created by Diablo Dam, the lake is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at an elevation of 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level. However, a fun fact about Seattle is the difference isnt that significant, and there aresomany reasons North Cascades differs from Mount Rainier. Maple Pass Loop is absolutely worth the hike, to be surrounded by jaw-dropping views in every direction. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In July 2016, Seattle was again the fastest-growing major U.S. city, with a 3.1% annual growth rate. However, you can take the drive to Mount Vernon Amtrak Station, take the train to Seattle, take the walk to Int'l Dist/Chinatown Station, then take the tram to SeaTac/Airport Station. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. Paddle from Colonial Creek to Diablo Dam and back or explore more of the lake before returning. Even though it is a lot more expensive, I would prefer to rent a car in this situation so I can truly have the freedom I desire to explore the national park without having to abide by a bus schedule. 116 Mi - Distance from Seattle to Diablo Lake. Prices start at $100USD per night. We walked through what appeared as an enchanted forest, and the river ran alongside the majority of the trail. Photo by Dave Norman, WGS/DNR . We also spent about 30 minutes at the bridge watching the river and snapping some pictures. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Rome2Rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Find a Waterfall at the Gorge Overlook, 9. Here are some other ideas for amazing. These medium and long distance intercity services operate at speeds of up to 240km/h, to more than 500 destinations. The best way to get from Diablo Lake to Seattle without a car is to taxi and bus which takes 4h 38m and costs 120-150. Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States. I am wondering if it is possible to drive the North Cascades Highway and stop at Diablo Lake and Washington Pass as a day trip from Seattle (getting an early start of let's say 0600). Diablo Lake Washington Trails Association From Seattle, you can leave early and drive to Diablo. It is a relatively busy 4.4-mile return trail that takes you through alpine forests and meadows carpeted with wildflowers but is considered an easy hike in Washington. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Cities and towns on the loop route include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville. List of dams and reservoirs in the United States#Washington, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Diablo Lake, "Cultural History North Cascades Institute", "Diablo Lake Overlook (U.S. National Park Service)", "Power Generation: Skagit Project-Diablo Dam", "Diablo Lake Trail (U.S. National Park Service)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diablo_Lake&oldid=1157065170, Reservoirs and dams in National Park Service units, Protected areas of Whatcom County, Washington, Wikipedia articles needing rewrite from February 2023, Pages using infobox body of water with auto short description, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 26 May 2023, at 01:56. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Google maps is showing me about 3 hours from Seattle all the way up to Washington Pass. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Howell ST & 9TH AVE to Everett Station, Take the bus from Smokey Point Transit Center Bay 2 to Hwy 530 & Powerline Rd, Take a taxi from Hwy 530 & Powerline Rd to Diablo Lake, Take the train from Seattle to Mount Vernon Amtrak Station, Drive from Mount Vernon Amtrak Station to Diablo Lake. Rome2Rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Once we arrived at the suspension bridge, the views were even better. Amtrak trains are known for their wide seats, plug-in power, big windows and storage capabilities. It is 104 miles from Diablo Lake to Seattle Airport (SEA). In July 2016, Seattle was again the fastest-growing major U.S. city, with a 3.1% annual growth rate. We thus opted for a different trail since we were not prepared to hike in the snow. Thank you for this itinerary! You can learn more about this onNative Land. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Drive from Diablo Lake to Mount Vernon Amtrak Station, Take the train from Mount Vernon Amtrak Station to Seattle, Take a taxi from Diablo Lake to Mountain Loop Hwy & Seeman St, Take the bus from Mountain Loop Hwy & Seeman St to Smokey Point Transit Center, Take the bus from Cedar and Grove Park & Ride Bay 2 to 5th Ave & Jefferson St. Seattle is a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. Directions to Trailhead Google Maps Apple Maps The hike along the Diablo Lake Trail rises 213 m above Diablo Lake, delivering hikers to a view of Ross Dam before dropping to a suspension bridge over Lake Diablo. Yes, while its a bit of a long day, I actually tend to do only day trips from Seattle to North Cascades so I can go more often. Seattle Center is located just north of Belltown in the Uptown neighborhood. , but here are some more lakes that are equally notable. Created by Diablo Dam, the lake is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at an elevation of 1,201 feet (366m) above sea level. This area is a fantastic place to enjoy a pre-packed lunch picnic. Best Time to See Diablo Lake in Seattle 2023 - Rove.me - Best holiday The route follows State Route 20 from Sedro-Woolley in the west to Twisp in the east, passing through the North Cascades National Park complex, a sprawling wilderness area that extends from the north end of Lake Chelan up to the border of Canada. We saw the turquoise river running under the bridge with the forest on both sides. As you may guess by its name, the lake is a majestic teal color with picture-perfect mountain reflections. I think 2-3 days in North Cascades is the perfect amount of time to visit. Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. If your main reason for visiting is to find the best hikes in North Cascades, I recommend coming in the fall. Im practically a regular, with my last trip being in October 2022 to see the highly sought-after larches. In relation to accessing the park in the autumn, spring, and winter, State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) closes for the season in mid to late November and then reopens in April or early May. Silver Lake, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, has more than $98 billion in assets under . You also won't encounter much traffic once you get north of Seattle, another benefit of visiting this park. What you might not be aware of is another way to see the lake - the Diablo Lake & Lunch Tour by Seattle City Light's Skagit Tours. Entire hike length: 39.2 miles round trip (~63 kilometers), Estimated time needed: 19 hours 30 minutes, Hike length to suspension bridge: 4 miles round trip (~6.4 kilometers), Estimated time needed for hike to suspension bridge: 1.5 hours. While you can easily take a North Cascades National Park day drive from Seattle, some people might want to extend their trip and stay a night or two. The Diablo Lake Overlookis 2.5 hours from Seattle in the North Cascades National Park. This article related to a protected area in the state of Washington is a stub. [6] Two-pole fishing is prohibited at Diablo Lake.[7]. X. If hiking in the winter season when snow is on the trail, consider bringing along hiking poles and crampons for stability and safety. I highly recommend adding this to your Washington bucket list, as its an experience you wont forget! Highway 20, the main thoroughfare through the park, closes between Ross Dam and milepost 171 on the other side of Washington Pass in late November most years, and reopens sometime in the late spring (usually May). It's referred to as the Diablo Lake Vista Point on Google Maps. Moreover, there was still snow reported on some trails when we visited in early July. One more important thing to note is there is often snow on the trails, especially the trails in the more northern and eastern regions of the park, in spring, fall, and winter. We will be visiting Washington in April. Blue Lake is great for kids, as we took our then 2-year-old. The most affordable way to get from Diablo Lake to Seattle is to drive, which costs 20-30 and takes 2h 41m. The Cascade Loop is a scenic driving tour that takes you through diverse sections of the beautiful state of Washington. August 2, 2016 at 10:49 pm . In July 2013, it was the fastest-growing major city in the United States and remained in the top 5 in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. Ive been known to leave as early as 4 am to get up there and hike by 7 am and head back late to go from North Cascades to Seattle. How far is Diablo Lake from Seattle - Distance Calculator | Distance From Time, money, and the general busyness of life often restrict us to only one day. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your North Cascades National Park day trip. With more than 10 million visitors annually, Pike Place Market is Seattle's most popular tourist destination and is the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world. I have a 4 and 7 year old. If youre not feeling hiked out during your day trip to North Cascades National Park, head onto the Blue Lake Trail. However, we decided to hike only two miles (~3.2 kilometers) to the suspension bridge and back due to our time restrictions. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. Diablo Lake & Lunch Tour: Dams, Monkeys, and a Green Lake Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Dont forget to check out our previous article to discover more about the prettiest lakes in Washington. CO2 Emission. She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips. The Desolation Peak fire lookout above Diablo Lake is also famous as the location author Jack Kerouac spent the summer of 1956, and was the setting for his novelDesolation Angels. He walked far enough so that he was essentially standing above the river. Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers flights from Bellingham Airport to Seattle Airport. From Newhalem to Winthrop, the drive is about 1.5 hours. The perfect way to enjoy noon is to get involved in some water activities! Take Photos at Washington Pass Overlook, One Day in North Cascades National Park Itinerary, What Else to Know about Visiting North Cascades National Park From Seattle. The distance between Diablo Lake and Seattle is 152 km. It is the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The total elevation gain is around 1000 feet and is suitable for most people, which is why youll find many families here on a family-friendly vacation. Whether youre just starting out or youve been hitting trails since you were in diapers, theres something for you here. The reflection of sunlight off the suspended particles in the lake creates a turquoise appearance. How to Plan an Epic Day Trip From Seattle to North Cascades National