North Cascades day trip

We took a drive up to the North Cascades last week. Drove up to Diablo Lake overlook, it was beautiful! Last time we went it was all smoky from nearby fires and you couldn't see much. Next, we stopped in the unique little town of Newhalem. The town is owned by Seattle City light and populated entirely by employees of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The employees help operate the Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Dams that provide electric power to Seattle and surrounding communities. They have a museum and a general store. We took a short hike on the "Trail of the cedars" just behind the town it's a 1-mile interpretive loop trail.  On our drive back home we stopped for ice cream at the Cascadian Farm Organic store in Skagit County. Open May-Oct they serve ice cream, berries, and organic snacks. This farm stand is the birthplace of the Cascadian Farm Organic brand where it all started 40 years ago.

Diablo Lake Overlook

Newhalem

"Old number 6" Purchased in 1927 Carried supplies and equipment to help build the dams and powerhouses. She also brought personnel and tourists to the area until 1954. She played a major role in helping fulfill the dream of J.D Ross to build a hydroelectric project to supply the city of Seattle with low-cost electricity.

Temple of Power Designed by Don Carlson. The Edwardian gazebo with an electrical twist uses recycled bushings from the Diablo switchyard to support the domed ceiling.

Getting there: Take 1-5 S to WA-20 E.

Peace Arch State Park

Made a visit to Peace Arch State Park this week, one of the three state parks in Whatcom County. Located right along the Washington- Canada border in Blaine. You can walk through the Peace Arch and wander around the grounds. Stroll through the pretty gardens and admire the nice landscaping of the park. You will need a Discover Pass to visit the park, but if you don't have one there are several free State Park days, and I also noticed two 15 minute free spots in the parking lot.
     If you are hungry after your visit to the park and you like great Diner food check out Big Als Diner right next to the entrance to the park. It's a cute old-fashioned Diner with plenty of booths. They serve breakfast all day and they have the best biscuits and gravy I have ever eaten.

              

Big Als Diner

  

 Monte Cristo Sandwich- fried ham and cheese on french toast with powdered sugar on top.

The Mt. Baker- 2 eggs on top of hashbrowns and Biscuits and gravy.

Getting to Peace Arch State Park- Take 1-5 N to exit 276 at the traffic circle continue straight onto 2nd street. You will pass Big Als Diner on the way.

Hertz trail along Lake Whatcom

It's starting to get colder out now, but we are still having some nice sunny days. I decided to check out the Hertz Trail along Lake Whatcom.  Its 4 miles down and back, easy and flat.  There are a few benches near the trail.  The trail is part of an old railway that ran along the lake, with beautiful views.  Be sure and stop at the big Information Kiosk, at 0.3 miles. It shares lots of interesting facts about the history of the area and how the water from the lake is used. Also read about Ken Hertz, the man the trail was named for.  There are two small waterfalls along the trail but they are mostly dried up right now because of the really dry summer we have had. The trail is open for bicycles. They expect people to please clean up after pets. At beginning of trail, they provide Doggie bags. Vault restroom located in parking lot.

Getting there: From Alabama St. In Bellingham go all the way down and turn on North Shore Drive follow all the way around the lake about 8 miles until you reach Lake Whatcom Park. The trail starts at the parking lot.