Diablo Lake Overlook

The Diablo Lake Overlook is one of the most impressive and easiest-to-reach viewpoints along the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Located along State Route 20 at mile 131.7 in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, the overlook provides a sweeping view of brilliant turquoise Diablo Lake surrounded by steep, heavily forested mountains and rugged peaks. Because the overlook is right along the highway, this is an excellent stop for nearly everyone exploring the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

What really makes Diablo Lake stand out is its incredible blue-green color. During the summer months, melting glaciers carry extremely fine particles of rock, known as glacial flour, into the lake. These suspended particles reflect sunlight and create the lake's distinctive turquoise appearance. The color is typically most vivid on sunny days during July, August and September, when glacial melting is at its peak.

From the overlook, you can see Diablo Lake stretching through the surrounding mountains, with historic Diablo Dam visible in the distance. Several major North Cascades peaks can also be seen from this area, including Davis Peak, Jack Mountain, Pyramid Peak and Colonial Peak. Interpretive signs and a geology display help explain the glaciers, geology, wildlife and hydroelectric history of the surrounding landscape.

The Diablo Lake Overlook also has a large parking area that accommodates cars, buses and RVs, along with picnic tables, vault toilets and trash receptacles.

We consider the Diablo Lake Overlook one of the essential stops along the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Very little walking is required, yet the view is outstanding. The combination of turquoise water, steep mountain walls and rugged North Cascades peaks makes this one of the most recognizable scenes in the entire North Cascades region.