8
Ways to Make
North Cascades National Park
Great
COVID-19
Due to the worldwide pandemic, please check for destination travel restrictions prior to visiting/booking
Blue Lake Hike
5.3 mi RT
This trail had a moderate amount of elevation gain, about 1,000 feet but wasn't too strenuous. It has a small parking lot so get there early or plan to park along the road in overflow.
The trail starts through old growth forests with a few clearings with majestic views. Before Blue Lake, you reach the creek/waterfall area. A little farther up the trail is the lake. We stumbled upon a mountain goat and her baby enjoying the beautiful view.
Diablo Lake Overlook
This is a must do. It is right along the road, there was amble parking even at lunch time and the views are amazing. There are a few picnic areas as well if you want to stop for snack or lunch. A ranger was there to answer questions when we were visiting.
Eat at Duck Brand Hotel and Cantina
The small town of Winthrop had several dining options but this one had an intriguing menu. We both loved our dinners - the Veggie Stir Fry and the Lemon Grass Chicken Curry.
Thunder Knob Trail
3.6 mi RT
This trail starts through the campground which had really great lakeside sites. You cross Colonial Creek and then wind through a mossy forest and then a forest of lodgepole pines. There is a marshy area and a bench if you need a rest before the final push to the viewpoint. The first viewing area has a bench and the better of the two views of Diablo Lake. The second viewpoint is a just a few steps away so check that one out as well.
Stay at Abbey Creek Inn in Winthrop
This hotel had warm showers, a little pool and a free breakfast buffet in the morning, all that our family needed. Although we didn't partake, they also offered a float trip.
Visit the Woolley Market on the West Side
Not only did they have great food - ready made sandwiches, made to order sandwiches, soup, quinoa and kale salads, etc. but it was also just the type of place we could see ourselves running. The main floor had the cafe and a health food market with local organic produce and a variety of other grocery options and the top floor was a small outfitters. They had a large room with tables upstairs that we could image held group recreational meetings or education session.