North Cascades Ntnl Park

The plan was perfect; Camp the night just north of Winthrop, wake early, and set out to drive over the North Cascades Highway up and over the ‘American Alps’ in the early morning. It was all working perfectly until a Pacific storm sprinkled the plan with a little confusion… snow and rain.

I was hoping to get in a hike or two during my one day off, but the amount of rain coming down most of the ay kept me in the van, either staring out the windows or driving. I did get out to tackle the tiny 1/3 mile accessible trail aptly named Happy Forest Creek Walk. It promised, and delivered, lush old-growth forest on a boardwalk. This allowed me to get out and take some photographs as well as breath in the cedar and pine that surrounded me.

I also made sure to stop at the Diablo Lake overlook to take in the lake and the surrounding forest. The lake itself stood out as the water was a mint-green, which was fitting considering all the other shades of green in view.

Although the rain kept me from any longer hikes, I was happy that I got to have my first  experience of this park in the rain. It is clear, from all the foliage, that it rains here often. Dirt was always shrouded with trees, ferns, and moss. You could walk bare foot in this forest and be quite comfortable.

The rain also brought waterfalls… lots and lots of them. Every corner I turned had another fall just off the roadway, most only a few dozen feet in height. I could have spent all day photographing waterfalls alone.