Crater Peak - North Cascades National Park
Straight out of the Camera (only resized)
Happenings from the Chicken Dance Ranch
Showing posts with label North Cascades Highway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Cascades Highway. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
North Cascades Highway is Open!
On May 25th, the North Cascades Highway re-opened for the season. Yay! We are able to cut an hour's drive time off our trip to the CDR, not to mention having a scenic and much more relaxing trip across the mountains.
There was still a lot of snow up there when we crossed on the 28th.
There was still a lot of snow up there when we crossed on the 28th.
See how deep the snow is by the sign?
Heading down towards Boulder Creek
Liberty Bell with a dusting of snow
Driving through one of the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes at Washington Pass
Road cut through the "Annex" below the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Mellow Yellow Monday - A Touch of Yellow
Driving Across the North Cascades Highway - October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall Colors 2010 Caravan
Last weekend was the NATCOA 5th Annual Fall Colors Caravan, a trip across the North Cascades and back. Stops included Sauk Campground near Rockport, WA, Silverline Resort in Winthrop, WA, and Alpine Campground in Leavenworth, WA. This was the first weekend just about all summer that we didn't head for Okanogan to work on the house.
Six rigs departed from Haggen's grocery store in Arlington to head to Sauk. For once, we weren't the only Pastime camper in the bunch. A new member has joined with their Pastime! Yay!
Mini-Caravan Going to Sauk Campground
After a dry evening around a campfire, rain arrived during the overnight hours. The large drops of water from the surrounding trees interrupted any chance of getting some much needed sleep. Oh well.
The caravan lined up and pulled out of Sauk promptly at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Look out Winthrop - here we come!
Lined Up and Ready to Roll
The journey from Sauk Campground takes you along Hwy 530 and the Sauk River. Then you turn onto Hwy 20 and follow the Skagit River up to Newhalem. It was a gray and drizzly morning but when you've got 20 campers traipsing down the road, who cares?! We're still having a good time.
Skagit River
It's a Little Wet Out
Entering Newhalem
Leaving Newhalem Along the Gorge
The first scheduled stop was the Diablo Overlook above Diablo Lake. We filled up their parking lot with campers.
Diablo Lake & Overlook
Our next scheduled stop was just east of Washington Pass. However, as we got to the pass we were greeted with the thickest fog and cloud soup we have ever encountered on this highway. Ever! The camper in front of us disappeared into it.
Where'd you go, Redgreen?
After some quick chatter on the radios, we abandoned plans to pull over and continued on to the next stop just outside of Winthrop.
It wasn't raining when we stopped at the pullout along the highway. We lined the campers up for the photo op before departing for Silverline Resort.
Winthrop Pullout
Not too long after we arrived at Silverline, so did the rain and I put my camera away for the evening's activities. We had one of the best potluck dinners. Almost 60 people crowded into the pavilion and EZ-Up shelters that had been set up to accommodate our posse of campers and groaning tables of food. Oh my goodness, there was everything from turkey and stuffing to delicious salads and scrumptious desserts. No one went away hungry.
After dinner, a rousing game of camper bingo was then enjoyed by all before the numerous door prizes were handed out. Then it was time for the campfire. Four of the EZ-Ups were hauled down to the group campfire area. We circled the fire pit with the shelters and stayed dry while Mother Nature tried to dampen our spirits. No way! It just made for better memories.
On Sunday morning, a majority of the attendees headed out for the next stop on the caravan in Leavenworth. Due to work commitments on Monday, we were not able to make this leg of the trip.
We did take advantage our of early departure from Winthrop to make a few stops along the North Cascades Highway rather than zipping on by like we normally do.
Our first stop heading west out of Winthrop was just below the hairpin turn at Liberty Bell and Washington Pass. We took photos of the area so our fellow caravaners could see what they missed the day before.
Liberty Bell
Back on the road again, we continued our journey west.
Approaching the Hairpin Turn at Washington Pass - Look closely and you can see another camper making its way along the upper section
Looking back down from the top of the Hairpin
Meadow Area West of Washington Pass
There is a waterfall between mileposts 136 and 137 that we've always wanted to stop at. So we did. The weekend rainfall certainly had an effect on water flow at the falls. Many pictures later, and a short walk with the dogs, we climbed back into the truck and continued on.
Waterfall Along the Highway
In the gorge just before entering Newhalem, the road threads it way through, hugging the step rock walls. There are several pullouts and scenic spots so we decided to take advantage of one. Normally, the riverbed is quiet below Gorge Dam. But with the recent rains, there was plenty of water being released from the dam rushing through the gorge. The rain also awoke several dormant waterfalls that we haven't seen all summer.
Not So Calm Riverbed
Looking Up from Near the Bottom of the Gorge
More Waterfalls
Winding Road Through the Gorge
It was a good weekend. Wet but fun. It felt weird though not to be working on the house. But we'll be back it soon enough!
Six rigs departed from Haggen's grocery store in Arlington to head to Sauk. For once, we weren't the only Pastime camper in the bunch. A new member has joined with their Pastime! Yay!
Mini-Caravan Going to Sauk CampgroundAfter a dry evening around a campfire, rain arrived during the overnight hours. The large drops of water from the surrounding trees interrupted any chance of getting some much needed sleep. Oh well.
The caravan lined up and pulled out of Sauk promptly at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Look out Winthrop - here we come!
Lined Up and Ready to RollThe journey from Sauk Campground takes you along Hwy 530 and the Sauk River. Then you turn onto Hwy 20 and follow the Skagit River up to Newhalem. It was a gray and drizzly morning but when you've got 20 campers traipsing down the road, who cares?! We're still having a good time.
Skagit River
It's a Little Wet Out
Entering Newhalem
Leaving Newhalem Along the Gorge
Diablo Lake & Overlook
Where'd you go, Redgreen?It wasn't raining when we stopped at the pullout along the highway. We lined the campers up for the photo op before departing for Silverline Resort.
Winthrop PulloutAfter dinner, a rousing game of camper bingo was then enjoyed by all before the numerous door prizes were handed out. Then it was time for the campfire. Four of the EZ-Ups were hauled down to the group campfire area. We circled the fire pit with the shelters and stayed dry while Mother Nature tried to dampen our spirits. No way! It just made for better memories.
On Sunday morning, a majority of the attendees headed out for the next stop on the caravan in Leavenworth. Due to work commitments on Monday, we were not able to make this leg of the trip.
We did take advantage our of early departure from Winthrop to make a few stops along the North Cascades Highway rather than zipping on by like we normally do.
Our first stop heading west out of Winthrop was just below the hairpin turn at Liberty Bell and Washington Pass. We took photos of the area so our fellow caravaners could see what they missed the day before.
Liberty BellBack on the road again, we continued our journey west.
Approaching the Hairpin Turn at Washington Pass - Look closely and you can see another camper making its way along the upper section
Looking back down from the top of the Hairpin
Meadow Area West of Washington Pass
Waterfall Along the HighwayIn the gorge just before entering Newhalem, the road threads it way through, hugging the step rock walls. There are several pullouts and scenic spots so we decided to take advantage of one. Normally, the riverbed is quiet below Gorge Dam. But with the recent rains, there was plenty of water being released from the dam rushing through the gorge. The rain also awoke several dormant waterfalls that we haven't seen all summer.
Not So Calm Riverbed
Looking Up from Near the Bottom of the Gorge
More Waterfalls
Winding Road Through the GorgeWednesday, November 25, 2009
Colonial Creek
Colonial Creek - North Cascades HighwayMost of my attempts went into the digital recycle bin, but I did like this one. The manual settings I used were as follows:
ISO Speed: 200
F-Stop: f/14
Aperture: f/4.8
It was a very shaded spot just in case you were wondering. What do all these settings mean? Heck if I know. I'm still learning and find it hard to keep one thing straight from another. It's fun practicing though.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Skywatch Friday #49 - North Cascades
I took another trip along the North Cascades Highway. The day started off overcast and gray, but as I got high up into the mountains, the sky turned to a bright blue. Then the clouds and rain came back.
The Gorge Dam
The Clouds are Starting to Clear
Clear Blue Sky near Washington Pass
Here Comes the Rain
To participate in Skywatch Friday or to just look at some great photographs, click on the badge below.
The Gorge Dam
The Clouds are Starting to Clear
Clear Blue Sky near Washington Pass
Here Comes the Rain
Sunday, May 17, 2009
North Cascades Highway
I took an early morning drive today this morning. When I said early, I meant early. I left the house around 5:00 a.m. Early.
I headed east hoping for some good shots of the rising sun over the Cascades.
I got a couple of decent snaps but you'll have to wait until later in the week to see one. I'm saving it for my Skywatch Friday post.
My travels took my up to the western end of the North Cascades Highway, one of my favorite places. All too often, we are either in a hurry to get to the house in Eastern Washington, or to get home after a weekend there. We pass by wonderful spots on the highway, never stopping to admire the wonders.
Today I did just the opposite. If I saw something interesting, I stopped.
I only went as far as the Diablo Lake overlook today. As it was, that's still a good distance from home.
But I hope you'll agree that some of the sights were worth the trip.
Morning Sky near Darrington
Sauk River and Hwy 530 bridge
Skagit River with the North Cascades in the distance
Snow Capped Mountains
Old Number 6
Here's the story on "Old Number 6" which is located in the small town of Newhalem.
Purchased in 1927 for $7,500.00, "No. 6" carried supplies and equipment to build the dams and powerhouses. She brought personnel and tourists to the Skagit until 1954.
She played a major role in helping fulfill the dream of J.D. Ross to build a hydro-electric project to supply the city of Seattle with low cost electricity.
In the 1970's, "The Skagit River Railway Volunteers" restored the train to operating condition.
After leaving Newhalem, I headed home but not before making a stop at Tootsie's Restaurant outside of Marblemount. Tootsie is famous for two things: her cinnamon rolls and being first in line when the west side of the North Cascades Highway opens for the season. Now in her early 90's, Tootsie has been bringing cinnamon rolls to the highway opening since the 1980's.
I was fortunate that Tootsie was in the restaurant having breakfast herself this morning. I even scored a cinnamon roll to bring home for Karl.
I headed east hoping for some good shots of the rising sun over the Cascades.
I got a couple of decent snaps but you'll have to wait until later in the week to see one. I'm saving it for my Skywatch Friday post.
My travels took my up to the western end of the North Cascades Highway, one of my favorite places. All too often, we are either in a hurry to get to the house in Eastern Washington, or to get home after a weekend there. We pass by wonderful spots on the highway, never stopping to admire the wonders.
Today I did just the opposite. If I saw something interesting, I stopped.
I only went as far as the Diablo Lake overlook today. As it was, that's still a good distance from home.
But I hope you'll agree that some of the sights were worth the trip.
Morning Sky near Darrington
Sauk River and Hwy 530 bridge
Skagit River with the North Cascades in the distance
Snow Capped Mountains
Old Number 6Purchased in 1927 for $7,500.00, "No. 6" carried supplies and equipment to build the dams and powerhouses. She brought personnel and tourists to the Skagit until 1954.
She played a major role in helping fulfill the dream of J.D. Ross to build a hydro-electric project to supply the city of Seattle with low cost electricity.
In the 1970's, "The Skagit River Railway Volunteers" restored the train to operating condition.
After leaving Newhalem, I headed home but not before making a stop at Tootsie's Restaurant outside of Marblemount. Tootsie is famous for two things: her cinnamon rolls and being first in line when the west side of the North Cascades Highway opens for the season. Now in her early 90's, Tootsie has been bringing cinnamon rolls to the highway opening since the 1980's.
I was fortunate that Tootsie was in the restaurant having breakfast herself this morning. I even scored a cinnamon roll to bring home for Karl.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
North Cascades Highway is OPEN!
The North Cascades Highway is open for the season. The crews cleared the snow and the highway reopened on Friday, April 24th, a week earlier than estimated. Our first trip across it was this past Friday, May 1st. The crews did a fantastic job (as usual) clearing the highway.
Our route to the NCH takes us through Darrington, Washington on Hwy 530 right past Whitehorse Mountain. Here's a different view of Whitehorse including the glacier that stays year-round.
Looking South to Whitehorse Mountain
The North Cascades Highway is part of the Cascade Loop, a 400 mile driving tour through the Cascade Mountains. It was opened in 1972 and takes you through the North Cascades National Park which has over 300 glaciers, more than any other park in the lower 48 states.
Two mountain passes are part of the route across the North Cascades - Rainy Pass, elevation 4,855 feet, and Washington Pass, elevation 5,477 feet.
When driving east, the road elevation starts dropping quickly after crossing Washington Pass. Liberty Bell Mountain is to your right as you begin your descent towards the horseshoe bend in the highway. There are several avalanche chutes in this area so you have to watch out! I am always amazed by the number of people hiking and skiing around the bend.
Liberty Bell Mountain
Coming into the horseshoe bend below Liberty Bell (sorry for the bugs on the windshield)
Check out the height of the snow in the horseshoe!
Our route to the NCH takes us through Darrington, Washington on Hwy 530 right past Whitehorse Mountain. Here's a different view of Whitehorse including the glacier that stays year-round.
Looking South to Whitehorse MountainTwo mountain passes are part of the route across the North Cascades - Rainy Pass, elevation 4,855 feet, and Washington Pass, elevation 5,477 feet.
When driving east, the road elevation starts dropping quickly after crossing Washington Pass. Liberty Bell Mountain is to your right as you begin your descent towards the horseshoe bend in the highway. There are several avalanche chutes in this area so you have to watch out! I am always amazed by the number of people hiking and skiing around the bend.
Liberty Bell Mountain
Coming into the horseshoe bend below Liberty Bell (sorry for the bugs on the windshield)
Check out the height of the snow in the horseshoe!It is a very scenic highway and I encourage you to explore the sights along it should you ever be in the area.
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