Diablo Lake is known for its beautiful teal-green waters and surrounding scenery. The water’s color is the result of tiny rock particles suspended in the water refracting light. The particles are created by the surrounding mountain glaciers grinding rock into what is called glacier flour. The ‘flour’ is then washed down to the lake by glacial streams. Having lived in Alaska for three years, I was quite familiar with the process. Here, Peggy is kayaking up the Thunder Arm of the lake toward Thunder Creek.
Peggy and my first trip through the Northern Cascades National Park was in 1999 as we marathoned north to join our friends Ken and Leslie Lake for backpacking and kayaking in Alaska. They were flying into Anchorage and we had promised we would be there to pick them up. A long trip up the Alaska Highway was ahead, so there was no time to tarry. We spent a night camping in the park where we were entertained by a banana slug and the beautiful surroundings.
A bright yellow banana slug makes its way along the forest floor. Some interesting facts about this unique creature are that they can grow up to 10 inches in length, which makes them the second largest slug in the world. They can zip along the ground at the amazing speed of 6 1/2 inches per minute. They are covered in slime which is an anesthetic. You can discover this yourself if you lick one. They breathe through their skin and their eyes are located on the ends of retractable antenna. The guy/girl above is looking around. Yes, guy/girl. They come equipped with both male and female parts and can mate with themselves. They prefer to mate with others, however, and that’s when their procreation activities get really weird. Enough said.
What we remembered most about the park— other than the banana slug— was Diablo Lake. Located in the heart of the park, its dramatic setting combined with the milky-teal color of the water is guaranteed to make a life-long impression. We vowed to return someday and kayak on the lake. A quarter of a century later, this summer, we finally accomplished our goal.
Diablo Lake is one of three reservoirs built by the power company, Seattle City Lights, to create the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project in the 1920s and 30s to provide electricity to Seattle. The lakes are Ross, Diablo and Gorge, shown on the map below. When it was completed in 1930, Diablo Dam at 389 feet (119 meters) was the highest dam in the world. (The highest dam today is the Jinping-I Dam in China at 1001 feet (305 meters)). Today, Seattle receives approximately 90% of its electricity from hydroelectric power. 20 % of it is provided by the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.
This map from an information board shows the three lakes included in the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Diablo is in the middle. The tannish line shows the route past the lakes with its multitude of great views. Map showing Diablo Lake. The camera is where we shot the photos looking down at the lake. We kayaked south from the bridge down the lake’s Thunder Arm to Thunder Creek.This view of the lake and the next one led us to our vow that we would be back. In the distance you can see Diablo Lake Dam. Note the small island in the middle. There were kayakers exploring it.This view provides a look at some of the surrounding mountains hanging above the Thunder Arm of the lake. We were kayaking off to the left. A slight reflection of the mountains and surrounding hills can be seen in the lake.This is the island with kayakers I mentioned above. We didn’t have time to explore Thunder Arm plus paddle out to the island. Maybe on our next visit. If I wait another 25 years I’ll be 106.We found the upper end of the Thunder Arm particularly attractive with its contrasting colors of green and looming mountains. If I appear a little laid back, that’s because I am.Another perspective. More distant mountains can be seen up the valley. Slightly hazy skies dimmed our views of the mountains.Canada geese greeted us at the head of the lake.And grazed along the shore. A teenage goose is behind this one.A goldeneye appeared to give us a the ‘look.’And another one scurried away with her chicks. I caught up with them, however.And mom had a fit, flapping her wings, screaming at her chicks to hide, and squawking at me with a very clear message. It’s probably a good thing I couldn’t understand what she was saying. I left mom and her ducklings to go about their business. Kayaking back, we had more views of the surrounding mountains.Our final photo. Next post: We will travel on to Glacier National Park in Montana.
26 thoughts on “North Cascades NP: Kayaking on the Stunning Diablo Lake… National Parks Series 2”
We learned about the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs some time ago when passing through Santa Cruz, but this is the first time I have seen one. The Banana Slugs are part of our collection of weird mascots. 😊
It has always amused me that UC Santa Cruz has the banana slug as its mascot, Ray. BTW, I’ve been on the campus. It’s quite beautiful.
Peggy and I have seen a number of banana slugs over the years. I always take their photos. I can’t resist.
I’ll bet the mama Goldeneye was saying some quite unladylike but very momlike things. It’s a wonder your ears didn’t turn red. Great shot of the chicks, though. Your banana slug shot with the clover is one of the best compositions of a banana slug I have ever seen!
Curt, the landscape here is spectacular. I think I have never ever heard of Diablo lake or dam, and its so nearby, I must keep it in mind! The shot of the people on kayaks exploring the tiny island was mesmerizing. That scene looks like heaven to me.
I think they did, not even knowing what she was saying, Crystal!
The island was like a magnet. Even stranger than the water, Crystal. I pictured it like a remote island in the ocean with people stranded on it.
A friend who lived in Santa Cruz for years still has her collection of banana slug adored tee shirts. The next time I visit with her, I’m going to be sure to show her your photo; it’s a great one.
That kayaking looks great. There are a lot of kayak fishermen around her, and places where our bays can be explored by kayak, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. The same waters that float those boats so nicely are filled with alligators, and the thought of landing in the water with one, however improbable, is just terrifying.
UC Santa Cruz has received world-wide recognition for their choice of a mascot, Linda. No wonder there are so many T-shirts. I remember when UC first made the choice.
Fishing by kayak has become major with specially built and outfitted kayaks. We have seen them everywhere and think ‘what a wonderful approach!’
Kayak scout reports “The good news is, you’ve got a really low chance of getting attacked by a gator if you kayak in their waters, one in 3.2 million to be exact.” Not bad odds, Linda. I wouldn’t feed them chicken, however. Grin. My sense is that they are like most other wild animals I have ever dealt with in the wild, like bears, for example. Respect them and give them lots of space.
Gorgeous photos, Curt! We’re heading to our favorite lake in the Sierras in two weeks, and we can’t wait! We’re thinking of getting kayaks or a canoe someday. Thoughts? We first need to figure out storage space. 🙂 I look forward to Glacier National Park pics!
They are making some great inflatable kayaks now, Lauren. We got ours from Aquaglide Deschutes kayaks out of Bend, Oregon. You can get either singles or doubles depending on you kayaking preferences. They are light, well-built, and fold down to trunk-size. We can inflate one in about 10 minutes. We purchased a 12 volt car pump plus a regular pump. REI carries them but you can oder direct online. There are a number of other quality inflatables on the market.
What beautiful country! I can see why you wanted to go back. Thanks for the explanation about how the water gets that teal colour; I’ve wondered.
Alison
What a dramatic, stunning, breathtaking lake and no wonder you returned for another kayak adventure!
I had to get the measuring tape to really grasp the horrifying size of the banana slug! I can’t see me ever licking one to test its anaesthetic qualities! 😀
106! I wish. 😳We just attended Peggy’s aunt’s 100th birthday party. Pretty amazing.
The lake is one of the most beautiful we have ever kayaked on. Oh, come on, Annika, I know you are just dying to lick a banana slug. 🤪
Your post and photos are balm to my soul, Curt. Your photos are truly amazing, so bright and vivid and I feel like I’m there. Such wonderful memories of the yellow banana slugs. I LOVE seeing you guys on the desert island in your kayaks! So cool being out there solo. Keep having fun!!!! Hi to Peggy. 💓💕💓
Thanks, Cindy! Don’t know if I have ever been ‘balms to one’s soul’ but it sounds like a great thing to be. 😁We have really been enjoying our kayaks. Having beautiful surroundings certainly adds to the experience!
Wandering through Time and Place 
We learned about the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs some time ago when passing through Santa Cruz, but this is the first time I have seen one. The Banana Slugs are part of our collection of weird mascots. 😊
It has always amused me that UC Santa Cruz has the banana slug as its mascot, Ray. BTW, I’ve been on the campus. It’s quite beautiful.
Peggy and I have seen a number of banana slugs over the years. I always take their photos. I can’t resist.
Wonderful, once again.
You mean ONLY the Goldeneye gave you ‘the look’?
Peggy might have a time or two. Grin.
Just beautiful!
Thanks, Jennifer. Appreciated.
I’ll bet the mama Goldeneye was saying some quite unladylike but very momlike things. It’s a wonder your ears didn’t turn red. Great shot of the chicks, though. Your banana slug shot with the clover is one of the best compositions of a banana slug I have ever seen!
Curt, the landscape here is spectacular. I think I have never ever heard of Diablo lake or dam, and its so nearby, I must keep it in mind! The shot of the people on kayaks exploring the tiny island was mesmerizing. That scene looks like heaven to me.
I think they did, not even knowing what she was saying, Crystal!
The island was like a magnet. Even stranger than the water, Crystal. I pictured it like a remote island in the ocean with people stranded on it.
A friend who lived in Santa Cruz for years still has her collection of banana slug adored tee shirts. The next time I visit with her, I’m going to be sure to show her your photo; it’s a great one.
That kayaking looks great. There are a lot of kayak fishermen around her, and places where our bays can be explored by kayak, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. The same waters that float those boats so nicely are filled with alligators, and the thought of landing in the water with one, however improbable, is just terrifying.
UC Santa Cruz has received world-wide recognition for their choice of a mascot, Linda. No wonder there are so many T-shirts. I remember when UC first made the choice.
Fishing by kayak has become major with specially built and outfitted kayaks. We have seen them everywhere and think ‘what a wonderful approach!’
Kayak scout reports “The good news is, you’ve got a really low chance of getting attacked by a gator if you kayak in their waters, one in 3.2 million to be exact.” Not bad odds, Linda. I wouldn’t feed them chicken, however. Grin. My sense is that they are like most other wild animals I have ever dealt with in the wild, like bears, for example. Respect them and give them lots of space.
Kayaking like you were doing seems like a delightful activity for this hot weather. The photos them are refreshing!
Glad they cooled you down a bit Arati! Not easy at this time.
Gorgeous photos, Curt! We’re heading to our favorite lake in the Sierras in two weeks, and we can’t wait! We’re thinking of getting kayaks or a canoe someday. Thoughts? We first need to figure out storage space. 🙂 I look forward to Glacier National Park pics!
Thanks, Lauren!
They are making some great inflatable kayaks now, Lauren. We got ours from Aquaglide Deschutes kayaks out of Bend, Oregon. You can get either singles or doubles depending on you kayaking preferences. They are light, well-built, and fold down to trunk-size. We can inflate one in about 10 minutes. We purchased a 12 volt car pump plus a regular pump. REI carries them but you can oder direct online. There are a number of other quality inflatables on the market.
Thanks for the info, Curt! This is wonderful! Happy traveling!
Good luck. Actually, Peggy and I are going kayaking tomorrow on a lake near Zanesville, Ohio.
Loved this post Curt…the photos are spectacular and I enjoyed your writing so much
Thanks much, Sylvia! Glad you enjoyed it.
What beautiful country! I can see why you wanted to go back. Thanks for the explanation about how the water gets that teal colour; I’ve wondered.
Alison
My first views of that were in Alaska, Alison. It seemed almost magical to me at the time.
Curt, I could see you returning there at 106!! 😀
What a dramatic, stunning, breathtaking lake and no wonder you returned for another kayak adventure!
I had to get the measuring tape to really grasp the horrifying size of the banana slug! I can’t see me ever licking one to test its anaesthetic qualities! 😀
106! I wish. 😳We just attended Peggy’s aunt’s 100th birthday party. Pretty amazing.
The lake is one of the most beautiful we have ever kayaked on. Oh, come on, Annika, I know you are just dying to lick a banana slug. 🤪
Your post and photos are balm to my soul, Curt. Your photos are truly amazing, so bright and vivid and I feel like I’m there. Such wonderful memories of the yellow banana slugs. I LOVE seeing you guys on the desert island in your kayaks! So cool being out there solo. Keep having fun!!!! Hi to Peggy. 💓💕💓
Thanks, Cindy! Don’t know if I have ever been ‘balms to one’s soul’ but it sounds like a great thing to be. 😁We have really been enjoying our kayaks. Having beautiful surroundings certainly adds to the experience!
Stunning is an overused word. But I’d have to say for this place, I’m going to have to trot it out anyway.
That’s a seriously yellow slug. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a banana slug that “ripe.”
I’ll go with stunning, Dave! As for the slug, it was a beautiful bright yellow. Must have been eating yellow things. Grin.