Ross, Diablo & Gorge Lakes

on the water

diablo lake

Diablo Lake is a splendid trip in a kayak with tantalizing jade-green waters, a tempestuous but enchanting place surrounded by old forests, intriguing rock chasms, high peaks and glacier ice. The five miles from Colonial Creek to Diablo Dam inundates a deep gorge on the Skagit River once known as Box Canyon. Diablo Lake receives the flow of many glaciers, including Boston Glacier high on the flanks of 8,845-foot Mount Forbidden. That gorgeous green is caused by tiny rock particles eroded by the ice. Paddle from Colonial Creek to Diablo Dam and back or explore more of the lake before returning.

information for leaders

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

• Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
• Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
• All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
• All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

• Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Sea Kayak III
• Length: 50.0 nm

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12