Pearrygin Lake State Park to Lake Ann
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We kicked off our North Cascades leg with an overnight at Pearrygin Lake State Park, tucked into the hills outside Winthrop. It was a peaceful stop before heading deeper into the mountains.
Pearrygin Lake State Park
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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. Peaks rose higher and sharper around every bend, making the drive feel like part of the adventure.
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 craggy ridgelines along the way. At the end, a small alpine lake sat quietly beneath the peaks. The mosquitoes were relentless, but the wildflowers and mountain backdrop made it worth it.
Back in the car, we continued west through the mountains. Farther down the highway, we stopped at the Diablo Lake Overlook. The water below glowed an almost unreal turquoise, framed by steep 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 officially arrived in the North Cascades, rugged, dramatic, and far less crowded than some of the more famous parks.
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 craggy ridgelines along the way. At the end, a small alpine lake sat quietly beneath the peaks. The mosquitoes were relentless, but the wildflowers and mountain backdrop made it worth it.
Back in the car, we continued west through the mountains. Farther down the highway, we stopped at the Diablo Lake Overlook. The water below glowed an almost unreal turquoise, framed by steep 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 officially arrived in the North Cascades, rugged, dramatic, and far less crowded than some of the more famous parks.