Lake Ann and Diablo views
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The next morning, we drove west along Highway 20, climbing through Washington Pass and into the heart of the North Cascades. With every mile, the peaks grew steeper, sharper, and more dramatic, turning the drive itself into one of the highlights of the day.
Washington Pass Overlook
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We pulled off for a hike to Lake Ann, about four miles round trip. The trail climbed steadily through open slopes dotted with wildflowers, with sweeping views of rugged ridgelines along the way. At the end, Lake Ann rested quietly beneath the surrounding peaks, a small alpine lake tucked into an impressive mountain setting. The mosquitoes were relentless, but the wildflowers and scenery easily made up for it.
Back in the car, we continued west through the mountains. Farther down the highway, we stopped at the Diablo Lake Overlook, where the water glowed an almost unreal turquoise below the steep surrounding peaks. That vivid color comes from rock flour, finely ground glacial sediment suspended in the water that reflects light just right.
By evening, we rolled into Newhalem Campground, surrounded by dense forest and towering trees. It felt like we had fully arrived in the North Cascades, with all the dramatic scenery we could want and far fewer crowds than some of the better known mountain parks.
Back in the car, we continued west through the mountains. Farther down the highway, we stopped at the Diablo Lake Overlook, where the water glowed an almost unreal turquoise below the steep surrounding peaks. That vivid color comes from rock flour, finely ground glacial sediment suspended in the water that reflects light just right.
By evening, we rolled into Newhalem Campground, surrounded by dense forest and towering trees. It felt like we had fully arrived in the North Cascades, with all the dramatic scenery we could want and far fewer crowds than some of the better known mountain parks.