This past weekend we checked of our 30th National Park and 11th for the year! Yes, we did some repeat park visits this year, but so far we have added 9 new parks to our list in 2020, which get's us just shy of half way (62)!
With snow hitting the Mountains a few weeks ago, we were not quite sure what elevation of hiking we could do, and do safely. We did purchase micro spikes, and we have snowshoes and poles in the car, but I think we need to muster up a little courage and confidence before we take on a full fledged snow packed trail.
We opted for Diablo Lake Trail, just over 7.5 miles and 1,500+ feet elevation gain. The wind made it a little brisk, but the sunshine in the shielded forest helped make it a very enjoyable hike for early November.
Interestingly, Seattle obtains the majority of it's power from the three dams built in the area. If you've watched Hunger Games, this is exactly what the capitol dam must look and feel like (you know...if I were Katniss Everdeen)! Check out the Diablo Dam video HERE.
The park has two lodges (both look amazing), Ross Lake Resort that you need to ferry to and the Lodge at Stehekin you can either ferry to, or hike the 23 miles from Highway 20 to High Bridge where you hop on the red bus to finally arrive at your destination... both a bit isolated, but sounds like an excellent adventure either way. Unfortunately reservations are already booked for the summer of 2021, so we will definitely have to come back and experience our first in the park glamping this summer. Though not necessary meeting the definition of glamping, an air mattress in the back of the car is better than a sleeping bag in a tent on the ground!
“And in the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years. ” — Abraham Lincoln
Beautiful pictures, so enjoyable!