Getting to Mazama-Bama-Ding-Dong!
Mazama is a small little community situated on the eastern border (the sunny side) of the North Cascades National Park. You can get there by plane. And maybe part-way by train. Walking is probably too much of a pain (although two of our friends have done it!). So, our preference is to grab the dogs, pack up the truck, and go on a good-ole fashioned road-trip.
It'll take you about 3.5 hours from Seattle. Hopefully you're making the trek during daylight as it's a twisty, turny-type of road where 45 mph is about all you can safely travel for 1/2 of the trip. There are so many sights to take in along State Route 20, aka the famed North Cascades Highway.
Check out the bottom of the page for potential pit stops.
See you soon!
Places to stop for a bite
Arlington is about an hour North of Seattle off I-5 - Nutty's Junkyard Grill has a nice vibe, great shakes, and a mouth-watering burger. And it's filled with old car parts (the place, not the burger)! What could be better?
Que Car BBQ - located along State Route 20 in Marblemount (about 2 hours away from Seattle). I'll be frank with you - the food is delicious. And they have a nice little backyard for you to sit in while you lick your fingers clean. Do not mistake your finger for a rib though. It will not taste as good.
Stretch your legs
Before you reach Newhalem (and after Marblemount) take the turn off for Goodell Creek Campground. Look for the raft launch and park. We like to walk down to the Skagit River and look around for a bit. The Skagit is a mighty raging river so keep your distance.
North Cascades Visitor Center - Across the Skagit River from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near milepost 120 and the town of Newhalem. Adjacent to Newhalem Creek Campground. We stumbled upon this treasure one afternoon coming home from a weekend in Mazama. They have a large interactive map-like-thing -a-ma-bob that gives you a perspective about what mountains you're about to drive through. Also, a few interpretive trails with nice views.
Skagit Power Tour - Ever wonder where Seattle gets it's power? Want to get up close and personal to hydroelectric plant? If you've got some time to spare book this 6-hour tour. If you don't have that much time but are still interested in the area, you can book a Newhalem Walking Tour, or a Diablo Lake Boat Tour. Use the same link above to read about these two tours.
Ross Lake National Recreation Area - this Web site tells you the milepost to watch out for and the mileage of your walk (or hike).
Lake Ann at Rainy Pass - milepost 158. Nice 3.4 round-trip walk to a beautiful lake. Expect to spend an hour on this little adventure.
Washington Pass - Just 400 feet (250 meters) long this level, paved trail passes through sub-alpine forest to a spectacular view of Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires. This viewpoint is an excellent place to see the golden colored larch trees in autumn. The trail continues, looping back to the parking area, with stairs and steep grades that may limit travel for some. Accessible parking and restrooms, information station, benches, picnic tables and interpretive signs add to the pleasure of this breathtaking stop. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at this location. It's well worth the trouble though as you might even get to see one of these!
Mountain Goat!