Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States. 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 above sea level.

How do I get to lake Diablo?

You can check out the Diablo Lake overlook from the North Cascades Highway, and it's incredible... ... but to get up close and personal, you'll have to hike the Diablo Lake Trail. The trail is 7 miles out and back, meaning it's a good 3.5-mile walk to the lake. Luckily, the hike isn't overly challenging.

Why do they call it lake Diablo?

The Diablo Dam, named from a Chinook word influenced by early Spanish explorers meaning "devil," was once the world's tallest dam, standing 389 feet tall. Today, the uniquely colored waters of the lake are home to brown and rainbow trout.

Is Diablo Lake crowded?

Lake Chelan, Ross Lake, and Diablo Lake are relatively tourist-heavy spots. In high season, this park can be like many others.

Is it safe to swim in Diablo Lake?

Yes (obviously not from the overlook). Before a bridge which crosses the southern spur of Diablo Lake, there is a camping ground at Thunder Knob Trailhead. Here you can access the water. A great place to swim and picnic.

Diablo 2 - All of the Level 85 areas in the Game

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Is Diablo Lake open?

The Diablo Lake Trail suspension bridge is open for visitor use. Access to the Diablo Lake Trail is free. ... The trail departs from the parking lot of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center and offers dramatic views of the Diablo Lake Gorge and surrounding peaks.

Why is Lake Diablo so blue?

In summer, the distinctive turquoise color of the lake is the result of suspended fine rock particles refracting sunlight. These rock particles, called glacial flour, enter the lake when rock from the surrounding mountains is eroded by ice and flows into the water through glacial streams.

How cold is the water at Diablo Lake?

Seattle City Light manages the power generation as part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The lake is a popular place to kayak or canoe, but be prepared for a chilly swim should the boat tip over; the water temperature of lakes in this area rarely exceeds 50°F, even in summer.

What kind of fish are in Diablo Lake?

Diablo Lake is near Sedro-Woolley. The most popular species caught here are Rainbow trout, Brook trout, and Bull trout.

Can you drive to Lake Diablo?

Lake Diablo is the highlight of the scenic Highway 20. Took a day trip to drive the North Cascades Scenic Highway from Burlington to all the way upto the Ross Lake Recreation Area. The drive through the "American Alps" in the North Cascades National Park is amazing.

Is Diablo Lake an Alpine lake?

But the Evergreen State's third national park hosts one of the region's most scenic alpine lakes—minus the crowds: Deep within North Cascades National Park, which sees just 29,000 visitors per year, is the Diablo Lake Trail. ... Your first glimpse of glacially-fed Diablo Lake comes about 1.5 miles in.

Can you kayak Diablo Lake?

Paddling through Diablo Lake in summertime is worthy of any Pacific Northwesterner's bucket list. And, you can launch canoes, kayaks and other portable craft right from Colonial Creek Campground, then paddle up to five miles to the end of Diablo Lake.

How hard is Diablo Lake Hike?

Difficulty: Moderate. Distance and elevation: 7.6 miles (12.2 km) roundtrip / 1,300 foot (120 m) elevation gain. Access: Look for signs along SR 20 to the road that crosses the top of Diablo Dam. Cross the dam and follow the access road to parking by the trailhead.

What city is Rattlesnake Lake in?

Rattlesnake Lake is a lake in the northwest United States, located in Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area in King County, Washington, approximately thirty miles (50 km) east of Seattle, south of Interstate 90.

Is Diablo Lake man made?

Created by Seattle City Light's damming of the Skagit River in 1930, Diablo Lake is a man-made reservoir. Diablo Dam is one of three dams (including Gorge and Ross) on the Skagit River that provide electricity to Seattle.

Does Diablo Lake freeze over?

Diablo Lake Featured in

The lake is famous for its turquoise water color as well. The water stays freezing even during the summer due to glacial waters. Diablo Lake's best season for hiking and water sports runs from May through September (late May to early September for camping).

Is Diablo Lake cold?

The water is even colder because more glaciers drain into Diablo. The wind blows here too, usually in the evening, but as we found out, sometimes in the morning as well.

Are dogs allowed at Diablo Lake?

The Diablo Lake trail looks like it's located within the park on some maps but it is actually in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area adjacent to the park boundary. ... Dogs ARE allowed on the trails within the recreation area.

Do you have to hike Diablo Lake?

Diablo Lake Trail is a 7.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Marblemount, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is best used from April until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Are there grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park?

Grizzly bears are very rare residents in North Cascades. North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area encompass some of the wildest areas in the contiguous United States. The rugged mountains provide wonderful habitat for black and grizzly bears.

Is Diablo Lake kid friendly?

The drive up to get to Diablo Lake is gorgeous and widely touted as one of the most scenic drives in America. You'll travel through a rustic tunnel carved into the mountainside the kids will love and can also make a stop at Diablo Dam, (which Diablo Lake is the reservoir for).

Can you swim at North Cascades?

While not all the snowmelt-filled pools and tarns are warm enough to actually swim in, the lakes of the Cascades are the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer's day. Try these eight hikes for not only a fun adventure, but a memorable day—whether you're with family, friends, or just yourself.

Can you swim in Ross Lake?

Swimming in Ross Lake is possible, but the only sandy beach areas are at the two largest campgrounds. The water remains quite cold year round. Ross Campground on the Canadian side offers more developed amenities and a day-use area within the 88-site campground.