North Cascades Scenic Highway

August 27, 2011
We figured it was time for a trip into the American Alps (aka the North Cascades Scenic Highway) before the Highway is closed for the season. Owing to the bizarre weather we've had this year, some of our favorite spots are still snowed in. Luckily this one isn't.


     
   
     
We headed straight to Washington Pass, the furthest point on our route.
   
     
   
     
It's always breath-taking here, literally and figuratively, as the road twists and turns.
 
     
   
     
it's not quite as scary as it looks from above.
   
     
   
     
The trail and the lookouts at the Pass had been redone since our last visit. They were really nice, but for an acrophobe like me, really scary too. I couldn't make myself go to the edge.
  
     
   
     

I was still able to take a picture or two as I cowered against the rock wall. The drop-off is huge, but the scenery is amazing. Tim took this picture of the viewpoint from the road below.

 
     
   
     
They must have run out of railings as they were building the trail...
 
     
   
     
...because suddenly I found myself on THIS! Eeeek! I kept telling myself 'Don't look down!'
   
     
   
     
There was a large fairly flat area at the top and once again the view was amazing. Here is Liberty Bell Mountain, elevation 7720+ ft.
 
     
   
     
I still didn't venture close to the edge.

     
   
     
As we drove westward, we passed some wonderful meadows.
 
     
   
     
I was really hoping to see a mountain goat or two.

     
   
     
Ross Lake was a beautiful blue color today.
 
     
   
     
And just down the road, Diablo Lake was a lovely milky turquoise color.
 
     
   
     
From the lookout we could see boats on the lake, near the teeny-tiny island.
 
     
   
     
It was good to see the turquoise water again - a nice finale to the trip.

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