Diablo Lake Trail

One-way or round-trip, the Diablo Lake Trail offers a nice hike above the shores of Lake Diablo. From June to October, Seattle City Light provides ferry service on the lake, allowing for a one-way hike and scenic boat ride back. During the rest of the year, the Diablo Lake Hike can be hiked out-and-back, turning around at either the Ross Dam overlook or the suspension bridge. We suggest hiking out during the summer months for the full ferry experience.

Begin the Diablo Lake Trail from the North Cascades Institute parking lot. Restrooms and information are available at the Institute’s Environmental Learning Center. If you plan to take the ferry, it’s always a good idea to check in here and make sure that it’s running. Setting out from the signed trailhead, enter the forest for a leisurely of hiking. At 0.3mi continue straight at a junction, then cross Deer Creek and begin climbing.

Diablo Lake Trail tickles the toes of giant Sourdough Mountain. Continue to an unsigned overlook at 1.8mi, where Colonial Peak and Pyramid Peak are visible from a makeshift bench. Power lines buzz overhead – a reminder that the Diablo, Gorge, and Ross dams have generated hydroelectricity here for decades. Lake Diablo itself is a reservoir created by these dams – part of the greater Skagit River.

Follow the trail as it climbs to its high point of 2000ft at 2.5mi. In another 1.0mi, reach a signed overlook of Ross Dam. This is a good turnaround point for roundtrip hikers. If you plan to take the ferry back or would like to see the suspension bridge, follow the switchbacks down to the bridge at 4.0mi. After crossing the bridge, follow the road south – through a tunnel and past a restroom, turning right at the road junction at 4.3mi – to the Diablo Ferry dock. The ferry only comes twice daily during the summer, so be sure to arrive on time (9am and 3:30pm). Fares are $10 per person. Enjoy the ride back!

Hiking Trail Highlights

Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake is a gorgeous reservoir in the Cascade mountains of northern Washington. It is a man-made lake, created by the Diablo hydroelectric dam in the Skagit River, but its remote location and stunning natural surroundings prevent the area from feeling artificial. The lake itself is a lovely turquoise color, thanks to the nearby glaciers, and against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the effect is jaw-dropping.

For more ways to enjoy Diablo Lake drive along the North Cascades Highway and stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook. There are three small areas for camping on Diablo Lake, all of which are boat-in only. More camping is available nearby in North Cascades National Park. Both the Colonial Creek campground and the Gorge Lake campground are waterfront campgrounds that are an easy distance from Diablo Lake and can be accessed by car from the North Cascades Highway.

Want to find more amazing hikes in North Cascades National Park? Check out the Maple Pass Loop or the Cascade Pass trail.