Diablo Lake Overlook
Newhalem, WA
Glacial flour turns this reservoir a bright milky turquoise below the North Cascades peaks.
Diablo Lake Overlook sits on State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, at milepost 131.7 (kilometer 212) in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The lake is a reservoir in Seattle City Light's Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, impounded by Diablo Dam. Its turquoise-green color comes from glacial flour, extremely fine rock dust ground away by glaciers, which stays suspended in the water and scatters the light.
The overlook has a parking lot with spaces for RVs and buses as well, picnic tables and restrooms. A stop of 15 to 30 minutes is plenty. The lake glows most intensely from July to September; under overcast skies it looks more dark green or gray-blue. In winter the road over the high passes is closed, usually from late fall into spring, and the closure can extend as far as Newhalem. Check road conditions before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Newhalem, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 48.7140, -121.1110
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Newhalem Creek CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Diablo Lake OverlookTentsCaravans
- Junction Hiker CampCampsite10 mi from Diablo Lake Overlook · 12 pitchesTents
- Junction Stock CampCampsite10 mi from Diablo Lake Overlook · 12 pitchesTents
- Meadows CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Diablo Lake OverlookTentsToilets
- Shannon Creek CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Diablo Lake OverlookCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Lone Fir CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Diablo Lake Overlook · 27 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Diablo Lake Overlook?
Diablo Lake Overlook is in Newhalem, WA, at GPS 48.7140, -121.1110. It is about 20 mi from Marblemount.
Can you camp near Diablo Lake Overlook?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Colonial Creek North Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Diablo Lake Overlook?
Diablo Lake Overlook is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Cascades Highway.
What is there to see near Diablo Lake Overlook?
Places worth a stop nearby: Picture Lake (28 mi), Artist Point (28 mi), Nooksack Falls (34 mi) and Larrabee State Park (63 mi).
When is the best time to visit Diablo Lake Overlook?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)