Skagit Tours and Recreation
2023 Skagit Tours
Registration is now open! Tours run from June 29 to October 1, 2023.
Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Diablo Lake and the North Cascades while learning about the fascinating history of the Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Choose the tour that is right for you at ncascades.org/skagittours!
The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, surrounded by the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, is in one of the most scenic areas of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle City Light provides a variety of recreational programs to help foster visitors’ enjoyment and stewardship of this special landscape.
Skagit Tours
There's nothing like the beauty of the North Cascades. You can experience it all on one of our Skagit Tours—designed for fun and education for all ages. Presented in partnership with the North Cascades Institute, Skagit Tours have connected visitors to the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest and our hydro resources for nearly 100 years.
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.
2023 Tour Options
Diablo Lake & Lunch Cruise
Offered June 29 – Sept. 4, Thursday – Monday.
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience lasts approximately 3 hours.
Diablo Lake Afternoon Cruise
Offered June 30 – Sept. 3, Friday – Sunday.
Check-in begins at 2 p.m.
Tour experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
Diablo Lake Fall Morning Cruise
Offered Sept. 9 – Oct. 1, Saturdays & Sundays.
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
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.
Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA
Outdoor Recreation
City Light works with local partners to provide access to the abundant recreational opportunities in the Skagit Project area. One of the highlights of the Skagit Project is the Environmental Learning Center, constructed by City Light on the shores of Diablo Lake and operated by the North Cascades Institute. City Light also provides annual funding to the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service for construction of new facilities, operation and maintenance of existing facilities, and development of educational materials.
Skagit Project attractions include:
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.
Hours: Open daily year-round
Location: End of Main St. in Newhalem
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.
Hours: Open daily year-round. Lighted from dusk to 11 p.m.
Location: Newhalem, WA
Trail starts at the parking lot across the river from Gorge Powerhouse. Follow the trail to the right and cross the suspension foot bridge.
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.
Please visit our Summer 2023 Tours and Recreation blog for the current Diablo Lake Ferry Schedule.
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
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:
Tourist Attractions
See history come to life in the City Light company town of Newhalem, founded in 1918. Once home to more than 300 City Light workers and their families, Newhalem now provides a welcoming experience to travelers along State Route 20.
Attractions include:
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.
2023 Hours of Operation:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29)
June 2 - 25: Open Friday - Sunday
June 30 - Sept. 4: Open Daily
Sept. 8 - Oct. 1: Open Friday - Sunday
Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA
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.
Hours: The General Store is generally open Monday - Thursday depending on staff availability.
Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA
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.
Hours: Memorial Day Weekend - October, Open Daily from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Gorge Powerhouse, Newhalem, WA
Contact Us
For more information about Skagit Tours, including reservation information, visit the North Cascades Institute website, email skagittours.reservations@seattle.gov, or call (360) 854-2589.
For more information about recreational and educational programs at the Skagit Project, contact us online or call (206) 386-4478.