Day 24 - (08/11) Winthrop, WA

Since returning from Canada two days ago we've been thinking about where to go next. Carol found a fun itinerary in the National Geographic Guide last night. We're going to travel the North Cascades Highway today. The highway travels from Washington's rainy west to the sagebrush ranching country of the eastern hills and valleys. In between, it weaves past the high peaks and dense forests of North Cascades National Park and surrounding national forest lands.

The sky was overcast when we woke up, but cleared to a beautiful day by the time we started the scenic drive (around noon). Our departure activities included some special moments. We said goodbye to our camping neighbors from Vancouver and got a picture of our little "Airstream ralley" site.

The den Hoeds (Frank, Tanyia and sleepy daughters)

2008 Bambi SE (left) - 2007 International CCD (right)

The trip came to life after we got onto route 20 at Sedro-Wooley. A few tunnels piqued our interest.

We travelled through the Skagit River Valley, past the little company town of Concrete (named for the material it produced from the 1930s to the 1950s), and entered the "American Alps" at Marblemount. Newhalem is a little company town built by Seattle City Light to house workers who operate three dams on the Skagit River. The dam below is just beyond the town.

Gorge Dam

The sights along the way were too numerous and spectacular to be given a worthy description by us. Here are a few that really caught our attention.

Diablo Lake

Washington Pass

(Highest point on the highway - 5,477 ft)

Washington Pass Overlook

(The road down is curvy and steep)

The climb was long and steep. It feels good to rest a while.

Each park system has it's own amenities. This picnic area seemed pretty unique. Each area had a private asphalt picnic pad and wooden steps up to the table.

A regal picnic table

The route was high, low, steep, curvy and hidden by surrounding mountains. There was no phone coverage by Verizon or OnStar ... nada, zip.

The town of Winthrop marked the end of today's drive. It's a re-created frontier town with Old West facades and wooden sidewalks ... a delightful place to land.

We're staying at Silverline Resort RV Park and Campground. We seem to be in the middle of nowhere, but this park offers excellent services and attractive sites. We were able to post to the blog from the trailer using their wireless service.

FYI

Winthrop has one gas station. It's the first we've seen in 86 miles.

Map Tracks
Start: Lynden, Washington
North on Washington 539 to Washington 546

East on Washington 546 to Washington 9

South on Washington 9 to Washington 20 at Sedro-Wooley
East on Washington 20 to Winthrop, Washington

End: 184 miles @ Winthrop, Washington