Diablo Lake Vista Point
Diablo Lake Vista Point
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
147 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
24
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Rebecca G
Winter Springs, FL75 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.
derrickwg36
Seattle, WA7,760 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Diablo Lake is an incredible place to visit and enjoy the water and mountains. The water will be very cold unless it’s an extremely hot day. If you plan to enter the water I recommend wearing water shoes or sandals, due to the lake being extremely rocky. The view of the mountains from the lake are extraordinary.
Written August 5, 2023
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.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
There is a lot to do and see in North Cascades National Park, but one place that nearly every visitor to the park looks to make is the view at the Diablo Lake Overlook. Ok, technically, the overlook is not in NCNP but Ross Lake National Recreation Area. However, this is the signature view for the park and what everyone comes to see.
The emerald green water, created by the over 300 glaciers in the park and surrounded by mountains, is absolutely amazing. In addition the overlook on Hwy 20 towers over the lake to give you the most amazing places for pictures. Look I stop and marvel at the pictures here every time I look at my phone, it is that incredible.
The day of our visit we were lucky/unlucky. We were unlucky that the day was rainy with low clouds that reduced the view. However, at the same time, we were lucky to simply get to the overlook. Much of August and some of September, Hwy 20 to the overlook was closed due to the fires in the area. In fact, the Diablo overlook was the only place you could stop on Hwy 20 east of Newhalen and all of the hikes along the road were closed. While I was sad we missed things, I am so glad we at least got to see this view. I would have felt like my trip were marred if we did not make it here.
The emerald green water, created by the over 300 glaciers in the park and surrounded by mountains, is absolutely amazing. In addition the overlook on Hwy 20 towers over the lake to give you the most amazing places for pictures. Look I stop and marvel at the pictures here every time I look at my phone, it is that incredible.
The day of our visit we were lucky/unlucky. We were unlucky that the day was rainy with low clouds that reduced the view. However, at the same time, we were lucky to simply get to the overlook. Much of August and some of September, Hwy 20 to the overlook was closed due to the fires in the area. In fact, the Diablo overlook was the only place you could stop on Hwy 20 east of Newhalen and all of the hikes along the road were closed. While I was sad we missed things, I am so glad we at least got to see this view. I would have felt like my trip were marred if we did not make it here.
Written September 22, 2023
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.
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,469 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We stopped here twice on our two day visit to North Cascades. The first day it was overcast and the second day we had a nice bright sun. The difference in the color of the water was striking, and while it is still worth stopping on an overcast day, if time or schedule allows you should stop on a sunny day. The water is a beautiful azure in the sun. We were here on a Sunday and Monday in September, and it was definitely more crowded on Sunday with the weekend visitors. I can't imagine what it is like in season.
Written October 19, 2024
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, WI241 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.
Tara B
Bethlehem, PA673 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
A must stop when you are on the 20 or in the Northern Cascades National Park. The glacial flour makes the lake look a bright bluish green. It’s breathtaking!! Just stop and look in awe at the beautiful water and mountains. It can get very windy so be prepared!
Written July 23, 2023
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, TX6,115 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.
Christina B
Louisiana6,965 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, NE673 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.
Rushil Dedhia
Mumbai, India198 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.
How is the view of Diablo Lake as of August 26, 2024? Is it very smokey in this area?
Written August 26, 2024
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?
Written March 23, 2022
Should be just fine unless there was a recent snowstorm.
Written April 12, 2022
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?
Written September 11, 2021
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?
Written August 24, 2020
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.
Written August 14, 2020
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?
Written September 21, 2019
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... ?
Written April 13, 2019
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
Written August 26, 2019
irisarias44
Moses Lake, Washington
What is your availability look like in mid to late August?
Written July 8, 2018
Hello, where did you camp at Diablo Lake? And did you rent a boat for your ride?
Thanks!
Written April 8, 2018
The boat is a "ride," half day or whole - with interpretive guides. We camped in the state campground.
Written May 29, 2018
I see it is open to fishing year round. is there anywhere you can rent fishing great for a few hjours?
Written March 5, 2018
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