For almost 100 years, Seattle City Light has provided public tours of the dams, powerhouses, reservoirs, and town that comprise the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, and that tradition continues this year.
City Light, in partnership with the North Cascades Institute, a nationally recognized leader in environmental education, offers fun, interactive tours on Diablo Lake aboard the Alice Ross IV. Experience the beauty of Diablo Lake and surrounding North Cascades National Park, learn about the rich cultural and natural history of the area, and, with one of the tour options, enjoy a delicious lunch at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
Tours run from June 29 to October 1, 2023.
- Diablo Lake and Lunch Cruise
- June 29 through September 4.
- Thursday through Monday. Check-in beginning at 10:45 a.m.
- Diablo Lake Afternoon Cruise
- June 30 through September 3.
- Friday through Sunday. Check-in beginning at 2 p.m.
- Diablo Lake Fall Morning Cruise
- September 9 through October 1.
- Saturdays and Sundays. Check-in beginning at 10:45 a.m.
For more details on specific dates and times, and to book a reservation, visit the North Cascades Institute’s registration page. For a quick overview of the importance of the Skagit Hydroelectric Project, watch this short video.
Skagit Recreation Opportunities in 2023
Explore the historic community of Newhalem and nearby attractions including Ladder Creek Falls and the Trail of the Cedars.
PLEASE NOTE: HOURS OF OPERATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
NEWHALEM
Skagit Information Center
- Hours: Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday – Monday, May 26 – May 29 (Memorial Day)
- Friday – Sunday: June 2 – June 25
- Seven days a week: June 30 – Sept. 4 (Labor Day)
- Friday – Sunday: Sept. 8 – Oct. 1
- Note: Face coverings are optional
Gorge Powerhouse Visitor Gallery
- Hours: Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through October
Trail of the Cedars
- Hours: Open 24 hours year-round.
- Details: A three-quarter-mile loop trail to Newhalem Powerhouse offering views of large western redcedars and the Skagit River.
- Directions: The trail starts in Newhalem at the end of Main Street opposite Highway 20.
- More information about the Trail of the Cedars is available on the National Park Service website.
Ladder Creek Falls Trail and Gardens
- Hours: Open 24 hours year-round. Lighted from dusk to 11 p.m.
- Details: A half-mile loop trail provides spectacular views of Ladder Creek Gardens the waterfalls, including a series cascading through a slot rock canyon. Visit at night for a light show that illuminates the falls.
- Directions: The trail starts at the parking lot across the river from the Gorge Powerhouse. Follow the trail to the right and cross the suspension foot bridge.
- More information about the Ladder Creek Falls Trail and Gardens is available on the National Park Service website.
Skagit General Store
- Hours: The General Store is generally open all week depending on staff availability.
- Monday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tuesday – Sunday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Details: Located on Main St., Newhalem, WA, next to the Skagit Information Center. Public restrooms available.
DIABLO AND DIABLO LAKE
Note that public restrooms available are available across Diablo Dam.
Diablo Lake Ferry
The Ferry Schedule for 2023, May 29 – Nov 1, is as follows:
| Diablo to Ross | Ross to Diablo |
| 11 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. |
| 2 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. |
- Details:
- Capacity is 47 passengers with baggage. No reservations required. Priority boarding given to Ross Lake Resort guests and backpackers/campers with NPS backcountry permits.
- Cash only, $10 per adult each way, $5 per child each way (4–12)
3 bag limit, Additional baggage: $10
North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
- Details: The campus is open to the general public. Sign up for programs in advance on the North Cascades Institute’s website.
Sourdough Trailhead
- Details: Visit the National Park Service website.
Stetattle Creek Trailhead
- Details: Visit the National Park Service website.
Questions about Skagit Recreation? Call us at (206) 386-4478 or email us.