Skagit Tours and Recreation

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Diablo Lake aboard the Alice Ross IV—a glass roof boat designed to provide the best views from inside or outside the boat. As you cruise the glacier-fed lake, you will learn about the surrounding ecosystem, enjoy spectacular views, and hear stories about the development of the local dams and powerhouses.

2024 Tour Options

Diablo Lake & Lunch Cruise

Offered July 3 - Sept. 2, Wednesday - Sunday
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through lunch, lasts approximately 3 hours.

Diablo Lake Afternoon Cruise

Offered July 5 - Sept. 2, Friday - Sunday
Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through tour, lasts approximately 2.25 hours.

Diablo Lake Fall Morning Cruise

Offered Sept. 7 - 29, Saturdays & Sundays
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through tour, lasts approximately 2.25 hours.

Registration & Details

Photo credit: Bassetti Architects

The Gorge Inn is one of the earliest buildings constructed at Newhalem, it was originally the cookhouse for providing meals to City Light workers in the early days of constructing the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Over time, it also hosted thousands of visitors who came to the area to experience Skagit Tours.

While at the Gorge Inn, enjoy interpretive displays about the cultural history of the Skagit Project and the surrounding area, as well as a special section on the life of J.D. Ross, the “father” of Seattle City Light and the Skagit Project.

Once the cookhouse providing meals to workers constructing the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, now The Gorge Inn serves up a "Dam Good Chicken Dinner" for visitors. This Skagit tradition is back – and now comes with a vegetarian option as well. Dinner also includes salad, side dishes, dessert, and beverage.

Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Trail of the Cedars is a three-quarter-mile loop with a short spur trail to the Newhalem Creek Powerhouse. Sights include large western red cedar trees, Douglas fir trees and vegetation regenerating from the 2015 Goodell Creek Wildfire. The bridge from Main Street to the trail provides great views of the Skagit River. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Ladder Creek Falls is one of the most spectacular and accessible waterfalls in the area. The trail continues through the Ladder Creek Gardens to Gorge Powerhouse. Finish the loop by crossing back over the river on the walkway along an old railroad bridge. For a visual treat, visit at night for a light show that illuminates the falls from dusk to 11 p.m. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

Photo credit: Ross Lake Resort

In the summer and into the fall, City Light operates a ferry on Diablo Lake to provide transportation for guests and customers of the Ross Lake Resort, which offers lodging and equipment rentals on Ross Lake. Hikers or backpackers heading to or returning from Ross Lake may also opt to take the ferry.

Gear Restrictions for the Ferry

Note: Each passenger is allowed three items (any combination of the following):

• Standard Tote (approx. 30” x 20” x 15”)
• Standard Cooler (approx. 36-quart cooler)
• Backpack or Duffle Bag

Passengers may also bring one additional small item (e.g., fishing gear, small cooler bag, diaper bag) and one small personal item that passenger will carry while on board (e.g., purse or small backpack).

Additional Gear Guidelines

• Try to pack gear in hard-sided totes or coolers
• Secure fishing gear, rod cases, and tackle boxes
• No loose gear, grocery bags, paper bags, or other similar open bags
• No firewood
• No personal watercraft
• Any firearms must be secured with the ferry captain
• All fuel must be stored in the ferry fire locker during passage

Hours: Operates Daily, June - November

2024 Ferry Schedule June 6 - Nov. 4

• Diablo to Ross: 10:30 a.m.
• Ross to Diablo: 11 a.m.
• Diablo to Ross: 2 p.m.
• Ross to Diablo: 2:30 p.m.

For additional information or to contact the Ross Lake Resort, visit Ross Lake Resort's website.

Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake, the award-winning North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is a hub of discovery for all ages, offering programs for adults, teachers, families, and children, it is the result of an exemplary partnership between the North Cascades Institute, Seattle City Light, and the National Park Service. For more information or to sign up for a program at the learning center, visit the North Cascades Institute’s website.

Location: The tree-sheltered campus features 16 buildings clustered on the north shore of Diablo Lake.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the region at one of the local national parks and forests:

• North Cascades National Park Complex/Ross Lake National Recreational Area
• Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Stop by the Skagit Information Center on Main Street to view interpretive displays, shop for unique souvenirs and books, and get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

Print out or stop by the Skagit Information Center to pick up a free copy of the Walk Historic Newhalem self-guided walking tour. The walking tour introduces you to the historic features of the town and the nearby hydroelectric facilities—Gorge and Newhalem Creek.

Download the Walking Tour

Descarga la Caminata Guiada

Established in 1922, the General Store is one of four existing buildings on Main Street from the original construction camp. The company store serves residents, workers, and visitors alike. Stop in for some famous homemade Skagit fudge, snacks and beverages, camping supplies, and other essentials.

Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Stop by the visitor gallery inside Gorge Powerhouse to learn more about how power is produced at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. The gallery offers a great view of the generator floor, interpretive displays, and a historic photographic timeline of the Skagit Project.