North Cascades Loop (Washington State)
- Thread starter Stumpy
- Start date
T.Low
Expedition Leader
No heat!
Ha, thats funny Paul, I was just thinking that I've never stopped at the upper view point, always the lower.
Nice pics Stumpy. Yeah, I did the no heat thing in my old FJ40 years ago. Yeouch.
Don't want to horn in on your trip report, but wanted to leave this for Paul and others. Link to Ross Lake BC ride report by some friends of mine.
http://dualsportmoto.ning.com/forum/topics/ross-lake-camping-trip
Ha, thats funny Paul, I was just thinking that I've never stopped at the upper view point, always the lower.
Nice pics Stumpy. Yeah, I did the no heat thing in my old FJ40 years ago. Yeouch.
Don't want to horn in on your trip report, but wanted to leave this for Paul and others. Link to Ross Lake BC ride report by some friends of mine.
http://dualsportmoto.ning.com/forum/topics/ross-lake-camping-trip
paulj
Expedition Leader
The mention of taking motorcycles over WA20 reminded me of all the cycles that I saw last month in SE BC. It was a nice sunny weekend, and cycles abounded from Nelson to Alberta. There was a large group on the ferry across Kootenay Lake, and more on the scenic and curvy drive to Creston, and more through Fernie. One group in Fernie said they were returning to Calgary from a weekend trip to Kalispel (MT).
But around Crawford Bay (east side of Kootenay Lake) we also saw some dual sport bikes like these Ross Lake ones. I think they were crossing Grays Ck Pass to Kimberley. I drove that E-W back in 2005 in my Element.
Along WA 20, a couple of worthwhile side trips are the Cascade River Rd east of Marblemount, and the Harts Pass Rd west from Winthrop.
But around Crawford Bay (east side of Kootenay Lake) we also saw some dual sport bikes like these Ross Lake ones. I think they were crossing Grays Ck Pass to Kimberley. I drove that E-W back in 2005 in my Element.
Along WA 20, a couple of worthwhile side trips are the Cascade River Rd east of Marblemount, and the Harts Pass Rd west from Winthrop.
Once I get a bike hwy 20 will be the first place I take it. There were a bunch that weekend I was there because of the beautiful weather.
Thanks for the info on Ross Lake, I was itching to stop and spend a night there but was running short on time. I'll save that for the next adventure!
Thanks for all your comments guys.
Thanks for the info on Ross Lake, I was itching to stop and spend a night there but was running short on time. I'll save that for the next adventure!
Thanks for all your comments guys.
paulj
Expedition Leader
I often stop at the Colonial Creek Campground, which is on Diablo Lake (the middle of the 3 reservoirs). There is, for example, a nice nature loop beyond the amphitheater. I haven't camped there yet.
Just west of that is the Ross Lake overlook, and just beyond that another nice old-growth nature walk, complete with ADA boardwalks (and a trail that continues on up the mountain). I haven't taken the trail down to Ross Lake. I believe that lake is a couple of miles beyond the highway, requiring some sort of shuttle if you want to take your boat or canoe there. So the only direct road access is from Canada at the north end.
It wasn't too long ago that they found a large pot growing operation on the east shores of Ross Lake.
Just west of that is the Ross Lake overlook, and just beyond that another nice old-growth nature walk, complete with ADA boardwalks (and a trail that continues on up the mountain). I haven't taken the trail down to Ross Lake. I believe that lake is a couple of miles beyond the highway, requiring some sort of shuttle if you want to take your boat or canoe there. So the only direct road access is from Canada at the north end.
It wasn't too long ago that they found a large pot growing operation on the east shores of Ross Lake.
craig
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Thanks for the trip report. My son, dog, and I love traveling the North Cascades Hwy. If you head back, explore up above Mazama where the highest driveable road in WA state is.
We (NW Overland Society) have done a couple of trips over there, and while there aren't any 4x4 trails it is a great place to go camping, hiking, fishing, and photographing. You're report has me considering when I'll head back again as it's very conveniently located (we live at the base of Hwy 20 in Mt. Vernon).
Thanks for the report!
We (NW Overland Society) have done a couple of trips over there, and while there aren't any 4x4 trails it is a great place to go camping, hiking, fishing, and photographing. You're report has me considering when I'll head back again as it's very conveniently located (we live at the base of Hwy 20 in Mt. Vernon).
Thanks for the report!
paulj
Expedition Leader
Snow photos from a week ago on the North Cascades Hwy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157622777751870/
I'm guessing it is now closed for the season - unless this weeks Pineapple Express (warm heavy rain conditions) changes snow conditions significantly. Rain-on-snow compacts the snow, and may even melt it. But is also an effective avalanche trigger.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157622777751870/
I'm guessing it is now closed for the season - unless this weeks Pineapple Express (warm heavy rain conditions) changes snow conditions significantly. Rain-on-snow compacts the snow, and may even melt it. But is also an effective avalanche trigger.
rcmaniac24
New member
ahh yes the north cascades. i recognize every one of those pictures haha, raised partly in south whidbey island i go camping up by concrete! i love it, i'm only 18 but i have traveled these areas quite a bit! looks like a fun trip, we were cold too coming down the mountain in our old Volkswagen thing with the top down lol