Newhalem Visitor Center
Newhalem Visitor Center
4.5
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The visitor center offers information and an audio/video presentation of the area.
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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.
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
12
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
parksvisitor
Maple Grove, MN1,431 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
For such a small town, this is an excellent visitor center, with local history and sights as well as North Cascades National Park information. The gift shop was much larger than I expected and everything was high quality. I noticed that some items offered were the same as those in the official national park visitor center just down the road. There is some street parking, but also a large parking lot just on the other side of the highway.
Written October 3, 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.
gemacindy
Lake Stevens, WA2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Wonderful suspension bridge leading to a beautiful winding trail through the forest with informative markers along the way. My spouse uses a wheelchair and we were able to access most areas without issue. We would suggest a ramp at the trail end of the bridge. We had a difficult time getting back on the bridge and needed to get help. (Spin out in the gravel). No food available so pack a lunch and enjoy one of the lovely parks.
Written July 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.
Clare D
Allentown, PA26 contributions
Sep 2011 • Solo
Newhalem V.C. is right in the heart of the Northern Cascades area of Washington state. Traveling this section of the state was amazing and when I stopped at the visitor's center, the ranger had a recommendation for a trip up Cascade River Road that I never would have found on my own. He gave me a map of the area, pointed out the way to get to the road, and even mentioned that a large portion of it was gravel and may be a challenge to drive. When I reached the top of that recommended trip, it was one of the most spectacular scenes I'd ever taken in. I hiked a bit, took tons of photos, and enjoyed the peaceful spot as I was the only human being there. I even built a tiny "snow lady" with some of the snow. A snow lady in July - not something you can do in Pennsylvania! Like I said, I never would have found this lovely place if it had not been for the helpful ranger at the Newhalem V.C. If you're traveling the Northern Cascades, you should definitely stop by this place.
Written August 13, 2012
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.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,812 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Newhalem, located near mile marker 120 on the North Cascades Highway (WA-20), is the still operating company town, complete with small residences, dining hall, general store and post office, for Seattle City Light which operates the power generation operations of the three dams and reservoirs located nearby on the Skagit River. There are many things for visitors to explore besides the visitor center and general store including a park with the electric power themed benches, a few sculptures and a steam powered locomotive.
The best part is at the eastern end of the town where one can cross the Skagit River, which itself is pretty, via a suspension footbridge to a small garden where Ladder Creek flows into the river, which was a cool place on a hot summer day to enjoy our picnic lunch. From this garden also starts the short trial up, along the creek, to the small overlook for Ladder Creek Falls which was quite beautiful with a good water flow despite the ongoing drought. On our way back down from visiting the falls, we noticed that the Gorge power generating facility has an observation area open to the public that overlooks the turbines generating electricity using water impounded behind the Gorge Dam about 3 miles (4.8k) away.
The best part is at the eastern end of the town where one can cross the Skagit River, which itself is pretty, via a suspension footbridge to a small garden where Ladder Creek flows into the river, which was a cool place on a hot summer day to enjoy our picnic lunch. From this garden also starts the short trial up, along the creek, to the small overlook for Ladder Creek Falls which was quite beautiful with a good water flow despite the ongoing drought. On our way back down from visiting the falls, we noticed that the Gorge power generating facility has an observation area open to the public that overlooks the turbines generating electricity using water impounded behind the Gorge Dam about 3 miles (4.8k) away.
Written January 15, 2016
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.
WickhamfordJane
Wickhamford65 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Probably the best visitor centre we have been in - very new, great displays and good location for visiting the North Cascades - particularly if you are approaching from the west. Spectacular view of the mountains from the short boardwalk at the back of the centre.
Written October 10, 2012
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.
rogersober
Clermont, FL39,135 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This is a must not miss stop that has gardens and a trail unmatched in the area that is lit from the power plant and has a hanging bridge. The restrooms were closed and bridge over falls trail closed. The the place was wonderful and we got our NP stamp at the gift shop.
Written September 20, 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.
Garry
Port Coquitlam, Canada310 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Not a lot of picnic areas along the north cascades if you don't stop at a state park. The Newhalem visitor center had a few spots to stop and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch and rest a while after the long drive over the cascades highway.
Written June 3, 2018
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.
Tall66
Wenatchee, WA1,012 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Lots to see in Newhalem and a stop at the visitors center is a great way to start. Rangers man the center so you can ask all the questions you want or get help setting up a hike or outing. Lots of visual information on flora and fauna and a small gift shop as well. Be sure to walk behind the center to see their Salmon sculpture and the Temple of Power.
Written August 7, 2014
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.
ljr3311
Mount Vernon, WA73 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I'm a firm believer in visiting all the Visitors Centers, wherever we go. The rangers (or volunteer's, in some cases) know so much about what you would never discover on your own.
The North Cascades Visitor Center is among the best we've seen!
(the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - especially for Lewis & Clark fans, and the Mount St Helens Visitor Center).
NCVC is beautiful, with an interactive Cascade topography map, video presentations, a small shop and beautiful grounds and a short wooden walkway to views that you would have to hike a mountain to see..
Take the time to stop in, even if you know the area.. you never know what you DON'T know, until you learn it ;)
The North Cascades Visitor Center is among the best we've seen!
(the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - especially for Lewis & Clark fans, and the Mount St Helens Visitor Center).
NCVC is beautiful, with an interactive Cascade topography map, video presentations, a small shop and beautiful grounds and a short wooden walkway to views that you would have to hike a mountain to see..
Take the time to stop in, even if you know the area.. you never know what you DON'T know, until you learn it ;)
Written August 19, 2013
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.
orioncreative
Concrete, WA286 contributions
Oct 2012 • Solo
I have been enjoying the unique experience at Newhalem since 1964 during tours as a grade school student
Make it part of your life experience also!
Make it part of your life experience also!
Written February 20, 2013
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.
Are your restrooms at Newhalem (across from the store) open to the public?
Written August 8, 2020
I was reading your review and was wondering where you stayed in the Newhalem area? Thank you
Written May 23, 2019
marjorielovrak
Tacoma, Washington
Other motels In area near Marblemount
Besides Buffalo Run Inn.
Written July 18, 2018
Nothing close. sedro wooley, west of mrblemount at I-5, has a number of places. winthrop to the east also has accommodations. only camping in between the two towns.
Written July 19, 2018
apogee9
Portland, Oregon
I would like to visit like Lake Diablo but do not camp out. Are there places to stay that are close enough to make a day hike?
Written May 30, 2018
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