Diablo Lake
A reservoir lake turned emerald green by glacial rock flour, where you can kayak, camp, or take a summer boat tour deep into the canyon
Diablo Lake is a reservoir formed by the Diablo Dam that Seattle City Light built on the Skagit River. When completed in 1930, it was the tallest arch dam in the world. The lake water takes on an emerald green hue from glacial rock flour. Colonial Creek Campground has a boat ramp, where you can rent or bring your own kayak to paddle the surrounding fjords. In summer, the Skagit tour boat leaves from Diablo to cruise the lake and explain the history of hydropower. The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on the north shore offers nature courses. The lake water is icy cold, so be cautious about swimming.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Diablo Lake Overlook
- Thunder Knob Trail
- Sourdough Mountain Lookout
- Ross Dam Trail
- Ross Lake
- Gorge Creek Falls
- Ladder Creek Falls
- Trail of the Cedars