Diablo Lake Overlook
Diablo Lake Overlook
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
140 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
23
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Chuck E
Fircrest, WA170 contributions
Oct 2020
Skagit County, Washington is home to both Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. They both are accessible from Hwy.20 from Interstate 5 about 40-50 miles to the east. At one point Ross Lake enters Canada for the last 5 1/2 miles of its northern tip. The total length of the lake is about 23 miles long or so.
You need to be able to do some climbing if you want to get down to either lake at ground level. Hwy 20 is pretty high up but for those who don't want to walk down, each lake has a car park and pull over from Hwy 20 to view the lakes. I personally feel the views of the lakes and their aquamarine water color are best viewed from above. Remember, it's easier going down to the lake than it is coming back up; especially for those of us who are seniors or not in the best shape to walk up and down the hills.
This stop was a nice finale to our car trip around the North Cascades Loop. This was pretty much the last week that travelling here without any weather conditions to worry about as well. We were gone the week of Oct. 5th to the 11th. Since then our climate has become rainier and the temps have dropped substantially. We had the top down on the car the entire trip during the day time. I wouldn't recommend this trip from now until Spring time.
You need to be able to do some climbing if you want to get down to either lake at ground level. Hwy 20 is pretty high up but for those who don't want to walk down, each lake has a car park and pull over from Hwy 20 to view the lakes. I personally feel the views of the lakes and their aquamarine water color are best viewed from above. Remember, it's easier going down to the lake than it is coming back up; especially for those of us who are seniors or not in the best shape to walk up and down the hills.
This stop was a nice finale to our car trip around the North Cascades Loop. This was pretty much the last week that travelling here without any weather conditions to worry about as well. We were gone the week of Oct. 5th to the 11th. Since then our climate has become rainier and the temps have dropped substantially. We had the top down on the car the entire trip during the day time. I wouldn't recommend this trip from now until Spring time.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoAlong2
Seattle, WA872 contributions
Aug 2020
This overlook along Hwy 20 provides great views of the lake behind Diablo dam as well as of the forested mountains surrounding it. The viewpoint is several hundred feet above the lake and there are great views of the emerald water below. (The color is created by the glacial silt in the water.) There are interpretive signs along the walkway that describe the geology and history of the area. There are restrooms at the far end of the parking lot. A must-see stop if you are touring the highway through the North Cascades.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becki C
Marshfield, WI244 contributions
Aug 2021
What a gorgeous lake. The view from the top really lets you see it in all it's beauty. There is entry from the lake below that can be found following the highway. It was super cold in the heat of August...we did see a family swimming but it is a COLD swim.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca G
Winter Springs, FL71 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We hiked the Diablo Lake Trail from the North Cascades Institute parking lot to the ferry. It was around 4.5 miles and while some of the views of the lake and dam were ok, nothing was spectacular. It was a lot of climbing for very little payoff. Fortunately we made it to the ferry in time (and had $10 cash per person) to hitch a ride back to our car. Views from the ferry were so much better than on the hike.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles S
Northamptonshire, UK872 contributions
Sep 2019
On our enjoyable journey on Hwy 20 from Seattle to Winthrop, my wife and I stopped here (and why wouldnt you!?) to admire this truly breathtaking view. There are many viewpoints to enjoy Diablo Lake and the view shown in the picture. It's so good, it doesn't look real.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,231 contributions
Aug 2021
You won't believe your eyes when you see Diablo Lake. It is literally a milky green color. The Overlook is super easy to get to off Highway 20. Just park, walk a few steps and you can get an amazing view. I would say the view is even better than the one you get hiking the 3.3 mile Thunder Knob Trail.
We came on Tuesday 8/10 and Wednesday 8/11. Luckily the wildfires did not ruin our views. We did have to cancel our Winthrop hotel and stay in Bellingham instead.
We came on Tuesday 8/10 and Wednesday 8/11. Luckily the wildfires did not ruin our views. We did have to cancel our Winthrop hotel and stay in Bellingham instead.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rushil Dedhia
Mumbai, India168 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
A popular stop along the North Cascades NP drive. Well worth a stop for the lake surrounded by the mountains. Weather can play a role though - the crystal blue colours are usually only on sunny days
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina B
Louisiana2,613 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I’m not sure if it was because it had rained earlier and a very heavy mist was hanging over the water or smoke from the fires east mixed in. Sorry that we couldn’t really see much. Still a nice place to stop & look around.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jkweebs
Omaha, NE554 contributions
Jun 2021
I think one of the great things about North Cascades National park is that a lot of really great sites can be see with little effort. Diablo Lake overlook is a great example. You get a great 180 degree view of the lake and dam. It is easy to walk to from the parking lot. This is a must stop.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luckyv
Coldwater, OH116 contributions
Sep 2021
This stop is a must. The view of the lake is breathtaking. The blue green color is something you will not believe is real. It is one of the most beautiful sights in the lower 48 states. It’s a true AWE moment.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellabel006
Savannah, GA11 contributions
We will be at North Cascades NP on June 19. I know that most of the higher elevation hiking trails will still be snow covered at this time of year, but what will Hwy 20 be like? We are going to do some hiking at the lower elevations near the visitor center but we really want to drive to the Diablo Lake Overlook. Will most of the snow on the paved roads be melted by then?
montanan_traveler
montana1,791 contributions
Should be just fine unless there was a recent snowstorm.
ashley
15 contributions
Is this unable to be accessed currently due to the fire? Or is there another trail or overlook spot that we could still see Diablo?
I know dogs are not allowed in the Park for the most part. Can they be on leash at the lookout point and trail nearby?
Sumanta_2000
Redmond, WA28 contributions
Could someone please tell us how the condition of the washrooms are ? Are they safe and well maintained ? Will be travelling with my wife and 2 kids, so want to take extra caution during these Covid-19 times.
Thanks for your help in my planning.
christine n
32 contributions
What is the easiest way to get to that view of the lake in the back? Is there a stop over that has that view or is it a specific trail that you have to hike?
MariannIP
Tampa, FL227 contributions
In some pics water looks dark.. in some other pics water on lake looks Turquoise ... are people here touching up pics or is it genuinely that blue... ?
Tansy
138 contributions
I'm sure there are some people that add in color to their pictures, but they just look over saturated, and it isn't really needed, because in reality, it really is that amazing looking. The color can take on hues of Jade and turquoise and changes with the sky, whether it be cloudy or sunny. My own picture actually looked less colorful than what I was seeing in real time. I actually had to add color in, to match what I was seeing lol
irisarias44
Moses Lake, WA
What is your availability look like in mid to late August?
Jurgen B
Brussels, Belgium2,732 contributions
you are asking what to whom???
LaLa313
Lihue, HI8 contributions
I see it is open to fishing year round. is there anywhere you can rent fishing great for a few hjours?
51silviaj
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Is it accesible during winter?
Susanne T
North Carolina Mountains, NC1,518 contributions
It was scheduled to reopen this morning, but you need to check on the WSDOT website for opening/closure. The website is up to date and shows webcams, too.
Usually it is closed during the winter, though.
Diablo Lake Overlook (North Cascades National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Diablo Lake Overlook
- We recommend booking Diablo Lake Overlook tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Diablo Lake Overlook tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Diablo Lake Overlook:
- (9.57 mi) Ovenell's Heritage Inn
- (2.97 mi) Thousand Trails Grandy Creek
- (4.65 mi) Skagit River Waterfront Cottage
- (9.07 mi) Mt. Baker Hotel
- (4.63 mi) Dreamy Riverside Cabin with Fireplace & Grill
- Restaurants near Diablo Lake Overlook:
- (1.39 mi) Birdsview Brewery
- (7.63 mi) Annie's Pizza Station
- (8.71 mi) 5b's Bakery
- (2.19 mi) Hamilton Cafe and Store
- (3.06 mi) Birdsview Diner
- Attractions near Diablo Lake Overlook:
- (1.76 mi) Rasar State Park
- (8.41 mi) Snowking Aviation
- (9.76 mi) Eagle Haven Winery
- (8.41 mi) Cascade Trail
- (7.68 mi) Northwest Garden Bling
Diablo Lake Overlook Information
Excellent Reviews | 113 |
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Very Good Reviews | 23 |
Diablo Lake Overlook Photos | 205 |