Paddling & Camping On Diablo Lake

By Christina Claasen

Summertime is the high time for the Cascades, and Diablo Lake is no exception, with its bright aquamarine water, created by fine rock sediment from glacial runoff. Why not maximize the glorious sunny days with a multi-day paddle and camping adventure in the glassy water, where privacy and mountain views await?

Diablo Lake is a reservoir that lies between Diablo and Ross Dams off of Highway 20. The lake offers three boat-in campgrounds, which can make for a three day multi-camp adventure, or a one-spot relaxing visit.

There are two starting points that paddlers can take off from—Colonial Creek campground, or beside the North Cascades Institute’s Learning Center parking lot on Diablo Dam Road. For those launching from Diablo Dam Road, Colonial and Pyramid Peaks will greet you on the south side of the lake.

Starting from this point, paddlers can first head west for about a mile to see Diablo Dam, one of three dams run by Seattle City Light. Just shy of 400 feet tall, you will only get to see the short side of the dam, which looks much like a historic bridge with its decorative lamps lining the railings. After a glimpse of this man-made structure, follow the southern edge of the lake to keep sheltered from the wind, which can be pretty strong. Mornings and evenings are the best time to paddle, when the wind tends to be calm.

Along the rocky shore, little nooks and crannies provide shelter for waterfowl. Be sure to bring your binoculars as some of these birds can be quite shy. Summer guests include Canadian geese and their goslings, Loons, Common Mergansers, Western Grebes and Blue Heron.

Paddlers can explore a few small islands in the middle of the lake before turning right into Thunder Arm, including “One Pine Island,” which actually has seven little pine trees. Stop for a snack and to take in the views, or dip your feet in at this tiny oasis. From here, the lake goes around Thunder Knob, a jutting peninsula, and then under the Highway 20 bridge to Colonial Creek campground. For those launching from Colonial Creek, this is the beginning of the paddling journey.

If you don’t want to stay and camp at the main, drive-in campground at Colonial Creek, you can plan your first night at the Thunder Point boat-in campground, which has a dock and three sites. Located on Thunder Knob, this campground is only two miles from the Colonial Creek boat launch and is a good location that gives access to the Thunder Knob trail. Spend the day walking around or fishing from this point.

After exploring, or spending the night at Thunder Point, paddlers can head east. From here, Ross Dam is about four miles away. The lake thins into a deep gorge, where the Skagit River once flowed before the dams created the reservoir. The steep, polished cliffs glisten with wetness and moss, and waterfalls spill down along the rocky walls.

Paddlers can inch up to the falls for a refreshing misty sprinkling. Paddling along the gorge will provide quiet reflection and cooling air.
Stop at Hidden Cove campground on the south side of the lake for your second night of camping. This spot only has one campsite so first come first serve is important. It may be best to set up camp early and then get back into your kayak or canoe to explore the lake more, find some good fishing spots or check out Ross Dam.

Approaching Ross Dam, you will be reminded of our hunger for electricity, as the dam churns it out for millions of Seattleites. This concrete behemoth stands 540 feet tall and is worth some photographs. It is amazing that people built this large structure in such remote wilderness more than 50 years ago.

After gawking at the dam, turn around and follow the north edge of the gorge for a sheltered journey. The north side of the lake offers many larger coves, so be on the lookout for wildlife. On those rare hot and sweaty days, a splash in the lake will cool you off instantly, but be warned, the water averages between 40-50 degrees year round, so a couple of minutes is all you need in this frigid lake.

For a third night’s stay, pull into the Buster Brown dock and set up camp in one of the three campsites. This large cove makes for a good place to let your feet dangle off the dock, to read a book in the quiet, or to jump in the water from a tree-tied rope. Take a little side trip and visit the North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center (guest passes are available at the main office).

You can end your journey after this three-day itinerary or stay as long as you like for some R & R. Whether spending each day at a new spot, or picking one boat-in campground as home base, paddling on Diablo Lake is a great way to spend time in the wilderness with little work and lots of fun. The mountains, crystal water and quiet campsites lend themselves to a getaway made for heaven.

On Need To Know Basis Only

Important Tips for Paddling Diablo Lake:
Be sure to obtain backcountry camp permits from the Marblemount Ranger Station on Ranger Station Road in Marblemount, off of Highway 20. Also, keep in mind that strong gusty winds and whitecaps are common in Diablo Lake, and are most likely in the afternoon. Paddlers should be prepared with life jackets, bailing buckets, first aid and extra food and water.

Getting to Diablo Lake:
Launching from Diablo Dam Road: Take Highway 20 east. At around mile marker 127 turn left onto Diablo Dam Road. Take the road across Diablo Dam. Turn right at the dam. Follow the road until just before the North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center, where you will see the gravel sloping launch area on the right. Park in the gravel parking area.

Launching from Colonial Creek Campground: Take Highway 20 east to mile marker 130. The campground is on the right hand side with an obvious boat launch and parking area.