General map of the area
I took a short 3 day trip to explore Diablo Lake here in WA in the North Cascades National Park. I’ve wanted to camp there for some time and decided to just do it.
Diablo is a hydroelectric reservoir part of the Skagit river hydroelectric project. It’s a neat spot - glacier fed with intense turquoise water from the glacial flour and on the Skagit connecting to Ross Lake. You can boat in camp at many sites on both Diablo and Ross Lakes.
There are many trails and camp sites in the area, but I wanted to stay at a boat-in spot.
Problem is, I don’t have a boat. I recently took up paddle boarding and thought that might work. A few Google searches later and I discovered that board camping is a real thing. So, off I went.
You can only register the boat in sites 24 hours in advance, so I had some difficulty in getting a spot for all 3 nights. I landed 2/3, but decided to do some hiking just south of the Lake for one of the nights.
I was also pleasantly surprised to be joined by my son and a buddy. They took an inflatable kayak. It was a relief to some degree since I had not paddle-camped before. We had a GREAT time.
Gorgeous area and perfect weather the entire trip. The paddle board worked out great as well with one HUGE caveat. Mind the wind. They work great, but in anything but trivial head-wind, it’s tough going. Once I figured out the lakes wind clock, I was good. Essentially, calm as a pond up until 9-10am or so and then lookout. The wind consistently seems to blow from the dam downward and most of the day and then diminishes to near nothing by midnight or so. So, paddle early!
Paddling - you’re going to get a bit wet
What camp sites! Amazing view
Mighty explorer surveying his domain
Backpacking Camp
Let’s go!
Can you spot the Hennessy?
Lakeside camp More of that Hen. hammock - sharp looker!
This was the first time I had ever seen or tried a bottom-entry anatomically correct hammock. Very confusing on first entry, then fine. Very compact and durable kit. The owner took it on a 1 year trip biking trip camping in the jungle - looked new.
My favorite spot had it’s own private dock and cove.
My trusty steed
All in all a GREAT trip.
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