Skagit Tours Canceled (but we have other ideas for fun in the Upper Skagit!)

The summer just won’t be the same without Skagit Tours. In November, severe flooding washed out a section of SR 20 leading into Newhalem, reducing traffic to a single lane. Washington Department of Transportation will be making repairs over the next several months, which will create significant travel delays in and out of the area.  Due to these unfortunate circumstances, Skagit Tours will not be accepting reservations this summer.

There are many other ways to explore the Upper Skagit Valley this summer, including attractions in the historic community of Newhalem like the Gorge Powerhouse Visitor Gallery, Ladder Creek Falls and the Trail of the Cedars. You can also visit the Skagit Information Center for trail advice, an exhibit on the Upper Skagit Hydropower Project and a wide array of books, maps, local art and North Cascades National Park souvenirs.

Skagit Recreation Opportunities

NEWHALEM

Newhalem Visitor Center
Daily 9am – 5pm
Location: Across the Skagit River near milepost 120 and the town of Newhalem, adjacent to Newhalem Creek Campground. Featuring a theater featuring large format slide program and video presentation, several short, accessible interpretive trails and restrooms, information desk, sales area with books, maps, videos, and other gifts and souvenirs.

Skagit Information Center
Friday–Sunday: June 3–June 26, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Open seven days a week: July 1–Sept. 30
Staffed by Institute instructors and National Park Rangers, stop by for trail advice, activity ideas, an exhibit on the Upper Skagit Hydropower Project and a wide array of books, maps, local art and North Cascades National Park souvenirs.

Skagit General Store
Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Public restrooms available
Location: Next to Skagit Information Center

Gorge Powerhouse Visitor Gallery
Open daily year-round
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Trail of the Cedars
Open daily year-round.
Details: Three-quarter-mile loop trail to Newhalem Powerhouse offering views of large western red cedars and the Skagit River.
Directions: Trail starts in Newhalem at the end of Main Street opposite Highway 20.

Ladder Creek Falls Trail and Gardens
Open daily year-round. Lighted from dusk to 11:00 p.m.
Details: Half-mile loop trail provides spectacular views of the waterfalls, including a series cascading through a slot rock canyon, and Ladder Creek Gardens. Visit at night for a light show that illuminates the falls.
Directions: Trail starts at the parking lot across the river from Gorge Powerhouse. Follow the trail to the right and cross the suspension foot bridge.

DIABLO AND DIABLO LAKE

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
The campus is open to the general public. You can sign up for programs in advance at ncascades.org/signup.

Diablo Lake Ferry
Open to hikers and backpackers. No reservations required. Capacity is 37 passengers with baggage. (Guests of Ross Lake Resort are encouraged to make a reservation by contacting the resort.)
$10 per adult each way, $5 per child each way (4-12)
3 bag limit, Additional baggage: $10

Diablo to Ross
**8:30 a.m.
*10:00 a.m.
**12 p.m.
*1:45 p.m.

Ross to Diablo
**9:15 a.m.
*11:00 a.m.
**12:45 p.m.
*2:45 p.m.

* Daily June 9 – November 1
** Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday June 30-September 5