Tripswellplanned

Newhalem Campground, WA

Jul 2, 2021 | Camping, National Parks

Day 1

We reached the campground at around 2.00 pm and set up the tent and canopy. The camp site was just enough for a big tent and one small tent or an RV and a canopy over the dining table. We liked that the sites were moderately private.

We spent most of the first day exploring the River Loop Trail which started right from Loop A where we stayed in the campground.

The short trail takes you along a forest trail to a few scenic points along the Skagit River – where you can chill off, picnic, dip in the cool waters …

We came back, had dinner, and played some games before settling into bed for that day.

Day 2

The next day, after a morning visit to the Newhalem Visitor Center where the Rangers guided us about the perfect hikes to take on this hot day  (temps were reaching into 100+ F) – both shady and scenic , we set out.

Starting with the Sterling Munro Viewpoint behind the visitor center, we headed off to the Trail of the Cedars.

This short but very scenic walk (0.3 miles RT) among towering trees of cedar, fir, big leaf maples and cottonwood trees, with very good interpretive signs, bordering the scenic Skagit River also connects right to the Newhalem campground but we took the loop back from the Newhalem powerhouse.

We came back to the campground for lunch (sandwiches). And then spent the afternoon under the canopy playing cards and games. Perfect for a hot afternoon.

Then we set out for the most popular viewpoint along Hwy 20, Diablo Lake Overlook. You can see why as you look out onto the panoramic views of the turquoise waters framed by the cascade peaks.

From there we headed to Happy Creek Forest Walk – a few exits away. We took the 0.3 miles RT loop along the shady winding forest and the refreshing gushing waters of Happy Creek.

On the way back to the campground was another gorgeous falls – the Gorge creek falls cascading down by the side of the road on Hwy20. There is a parking lot to park your car and a pedestrian pathway to view the Falls as well as the Gorge lake/dam. 

After that we headed back to the camp just in time for dinner (7ish). And played some more card games.

The last trip of the day was – to visit the illumined Ladder Creek Falls after dusk – another quick attraction in the nearby town. It can be reached by a suspension bridge behind the Gorge Powerhouse (take the right suspension bridge). We reached there about 11 pm at night. The vivid glow of the changing colors of the gushing waterfalls lent a mysterious aura to the night.

Day 3

The 3rd day was an exciting day. We were going on our first ever Whitewater rafting trip.  The Upper Skagit River is known for its Beginner and family friendly rafting trips with Class 2/3 rapids with the perfect mix of calm waters and a few exciting S-bends. 

We went with Triad River Tours. The trip started from the Marblemount Boat Launch where a bus took us to Goodell Creek Campground for instructions and then loaded 6 of us into a raft. There began a 1 and a half hrs (9 miles) trip where the young but very knowledgeable guide taught us to paddle and guided us down the beautiful Skagit river while educating us on the ecosystem along the way. Needless to say the kids enjoyed the splashy S-Bends the most. They even allowed you to jump into the water in the calm sections while holding on to the safety rope and to practice pulling them onto the raft for rescue situations. That’s when you truly felt what it is like to be swimming in chilling glacial waters. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the passion of the guides in this tour.