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North Cascades Highway - May 2020

Daboo

Member
Member
James and I took off yesterday morning to head for the North Cascades Highway.  I wasn't sure what we'd encounter as we headed out.  The North Cascades National Park is still closed, per Jay Inslee's lockdown directives.  But the highway finally opened.  So would we encounter what I've heard happened in California where the scenic pull-outs were barricaded and blocked off?  Well, we got a mix of things.

The company town of Newhalem was closed off.  (It is owned and operated by Seattle City Light.)  They don't want any of us.  I don't blame them at all.  Till the highway opened up, the road was actually blockaded at the town entrance, even though much of the road was open beyond it.

We found a mixture of closings.  Campgrounds and trails were mostly closed.  Scenic pull-outs were open.  One scenic place had the parking lot with toilets closed, but just around the corner, like 100 yards down the road...the parking lot was open. 

So here's some pictures to enjoy for those of you that can't get out.

This is taken at a powerhouse at the far end of Newhalem.  It's kind of nice to ride with another F800GT.  :)

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Diablo Lake.  We cross that bridge next.

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We stopped at the Colonial Creek campground for lunch.  The campground was closed, but you could get to the lake for a pleasant place to eat.

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At the far end of the park, is the Washington Pass Scenic Overlook, or NF-500.

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Just a quiet meadow in the summer next to where we parked.  In the summer, it is a meadow.  Right now, it is a large pond with melting snow.

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I never get tired of this view.  The sheer size and magnitude of it, is overwhelming.  If you look closely, you can see a car driving along the road.  This area, btw, is the reason for the highway being closed.  The avalanches leave snow 60 feet deep across the road area.

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I go back to this road over and over and over again.  The way east is great to enjoy taking the road fast, early in the day before everyone else is out.  There's tight corners, and nice sweepers alike.  I like to turn around at the Washington Pass Overlook and head back, then enjoying the scenery more and pulling off to admire creation. 

Chris
 
I take this highway to get to the Bun Cooler. So nice! Some years there is a ton of snow and some almost none.
 
Great pics and report Chris! It's good to know there's still some mixture of closings and areas. Not sure if we're doing the COG longest day ride this year as a group, but will venture out solo soon. We've already explored Wenatchee to Vantage areas last weekend. https://youtu.be/uwQcWR27-jY

Cheers!
Robert


 
Fantastic pictures and comments! Look forward to traveling through this part of the country again soon...Have to check it out!

:motonoises:  :motonoises:  :great:
 
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