Kayak at Diablo Lake

Rockport, Washington

Description

Kayak through a brilliant turquoise lake beneath an alpine landscape and camp amongst old growth forests. Diablo Lake and Colonial Creek Campground offer the perfect quick escape for paddlers.

Enjoy a beautiful drive through North Cascades National Park, the road is lined with cascading waters, views of the Skagit river and old growth forest. Colonial Creek Campground offers the perfect location to camp and paddle out on Diablo Lake's turquoise waters with the stunning backdrop of Colonial Peak, Pinnacle Peak and Pyramid Peak.

From the North Cascades Visitor Center, Colonial Creek Campground is approx. 11 miles and offers a boat launch, docks, fishing pier, hiking, picnic tables, fire pits and beach access. All camp sites are open late May through September. The south loop (sites 64-73) remain open during winter months, check road conditions for North Cascades Highway State Route 20.

After a day of paddling, take a short scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway to Diablo Lake Overlook for more spectacular views.

More information: https://www.nps.gov/noca/plany...

Campground Map: https://www.nps.gov/noca/upload/Colonial_CG_2011.pdf

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Kayaking

Forest

Lake

Scenic

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Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Camping in the North Cascades at Diablo Lake

Diablo lake is the perfect place to camp if you're looking for solitude and natural beauty. It's northeast from Seattle in the North Cascades. Colonial Creek Campground has large camp sites right on the lake. It is first come first serve, however check out is at noon so arrive around 11:30 to snag a site when people are packing up to go home. There are several hiking trails in this area includi...

Canoe Diablo Lake

Pack up your canoe with supplies for the day and launch from Colonial Creek Campground Area to begin your journey. As you approach the bridge to cross the lake, pull off to the parking area, there is signage for the boat launch area where you can easily carry your equipment down to the water's edge. To arrive at the point you will navigate highway 20 for approximately twenty miles, just remembe...

Backpack Thunder Creek

This hike along Thunder Creek in North Cascades National Park is perfect for families and beginner backpackers. The trail is at a lower elevation in the park so it is a great early-season hike, but be sure to check with the ranger station for trail and weather conditions before you go. Starting from the Colonial Creek Campground parking lot, the trail ascends along the often roaring creek. Aft...

Backpack to High Camp on Ruby Mountain

Ruby Mountain is one of the North Cascades more prominent peaks, sitting high above Diablo and Ross Lakes. This trip is one for more experienced hikers with a very aggressive incline from start to finish. If that does not scare you then definitely add this amazing hike to your list. While it can be enjoyed as a day hike, I would highly recommend a heavier pack for the overnight stay. My group a...

Backpack to Fourth of July Pass from Thunder Creek

Starting at the Colonial Creek Campgrounds, the trail starts out fairly flat taking you along Thunder Creek for about two miles to the Fourth of July Pass trail head. Once you reach here, the trail begins to climb.Beginning with switch backs, the path straightens out for a while before coming to a few more switch backs closer to the top. Along the way there are many openings in the trees to cat...

Explore Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascades created by Diablo Dam. The hue of the lake is created by ground up rocks from local glaciers, which end up drifting down streams into the lake.If you’ve decided to take in the viewpoints driving Hwy 20 through the park, be sure to check out Liberty Bell as well.If you’re up for being more active and moving around, check out Trappers Peak / Thornt...