Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States. Created by Diablo Dam, the lake is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at an elevation of 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level.[1] Diablo Lake is part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project and managed by Seattle City Light.

Diablo Lake
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Diablo Lake
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Diablo Lake
LocationRoss Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Coordinates48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W / 48.71417°N 121.13111°W / 48.71417; -121.13111
Typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface elevation1,201 feet (366 m)

History edit

The Skagit Valley was formed via runoff from Cordilleran Glacier.[2] The turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to surrounding glaciers grinding rocks into glacial flour that stays suspended in the lake.[3]

Diablo Dam edit

The Diablo Dam is a part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which is owned and operated by Seattle City Light. Construction finished in 1930 and the dam became operational in 1936.[4]

Recreation edit

 
Birds eye view of the lake and the surrounding forest and mountains

Diablo Lake Trail is the main hike surrounding the lake. It is a moderately difficult 7.6 mile hike that reaches approximately 1,300 feet.[5]

Fishing edit

The lake holds rainbow, coastal cutthroat, brook, and bull trout.[6] Two-pole fishing is prohibited at Diablo Lake.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Diablo Lake
  2. ^ "Cultural History — North Cascades Institute". ncascades.org. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  3. ^ "Diablo Lake Overlook (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  4. ^ "Power Generation: Skagit Project-Diablo Dam".
  5. ^ "Diablo Lake Trail (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  6. ^ "Fishing in the North Cascades". National Park Service. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  7. ^ "Diablo Lake". Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Retrieved January 19, 2023.

External links edit