Skagit Tours and Recreation

Skagit Tours Boat Captain Photo

The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, surrounded by the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, is in one of the most scenic areas of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle City Light provides a variety of recreational programs to help foster visitors’ enjoyment and stewardship of this special landscape.

A view of Diablo Lake over the front of a tour boat

Skagit Tours

There's nothing like the beauty of the North Cascades. You can experience it all on one of our Skagit Tours—designed for fun and education for all ages. Presented in partnership with the North Cascades Institute, Skagit Tours have connected visitors to the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest and our hydro resources for nearly 100 years.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Diablo Lake aboard the Alice Ross IV—a glass roof boat designed to provide the best views from inside or outside the boat. As you cruise the glacier-fed lake, you will learn about the surrounding ecosystem, enjoy spectacular views, and hear stories about the development of the local dams and powerhouses.


2024 Tour Options

Diablo Lake & Lunch Cruise

Offered July 3 - Sept. 2, Wednesday - Sunday
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through lunch, lasts approximately 3 hours.

Diablo Lake Afternoon Cruise

Offered July 5 - Sept. 2, Friday - Sunday
Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through tour, lasts approximately 2.25 hours.

Diablo Lake Fall Morning Cruise

Offered Sept. 7 - 29, Saturdays & Sundays
Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.
Tour experience, from check-in through tour, lasts approximately 2.25 hours.

Exterior of Gorge Inn
Photo credit: Bassetti Architects

The Gorge Inn is one of the earliest buildings constructed at Newhalem, it was originally the cookhouse for providing meals to City Light workers in the early days of constructing the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Over time, it also hosted thousands of visitors who came to the area to experience Skagit Tours.

While at the Gorge Inn, enjoy interpretive displays about the cultural history of the Skagit Project and the surrounding area, as well as a special section on the life of J.D. Ross, the “father” of Seattle City Light and the Skagit Project.


Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA

Once the cookhouse providing meals to workers constructing the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, now The Gorge Inn serves up a "Dam Good Chicken Dinner" for visitors. This Skagit tradition is back – and now comes with a vegetarian option as well. Dinner also includes salad, side dishes, dessert, and beverage.


Hours: Closed for the season

Location: The Gorge Inn, Main St., Newhalem, WA

Hikers walking up a trail through the trees

Outdoor Recreation

City Light works with local partners to provide access to the abundant recreational opportunities in the Skagit Project area. One of the highlights of the Skagit Project is the Environmental Learning Center, constructed by City Light on the shores of Diablo Lake and operated by the North Cascades Institute. City Light also provides annual funding to the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service for construction of new facilities, operation and maintenance of existing facilities, and development of educational materials.

Skagit Project attractions include:

A group of hikers at the Trail of the Cedars trailhead
Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Trail of the Cedars is a three-quarter-mile loop with a short spur trail to the Newhalem Creek Powerhouse. Sights include large western red cedar trees, Douglas fir trees and vegetation regenerating from the 2015 Goodell Creek Wildfire. The bridge from Main Street to the trail provides great views of the Skagit River. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.


Hours: Open daily year-round

Location: End of Main St. in Newhalem

Ladder Creek Falls trail at night
Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Ladder Creek Falls is one of the most spectacular and accessible waterfalls in the area. The trail continues through the Ladder Creek Gardens to Gorge Powerhouse. Finish the loop by crossing back over the river on the walkway along an old railroad bridge. For a visual treat, visit at night for a light show that illuminates the falls from dusk to 11 p.m. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.


Hours: Open daily year-round. Lighted from dusk to 11 p.m.

Location: Newhalem, WA
Trail starts at the parking lot across the river from Gorge Powerhouse. Follow the trail to the right and cross the suspension foot bridge.

Ross Lake Resort cabins
Photo credit: Ross Lake Resort

In the summer and into the fall, City Light operates a ferry on Diablo Lake to provide transportation for guests and customers of the Ross Lake Resort, which offers lodging and equipment rentals on Ross Lake. Hikers or backpackers heading to or returning from Ross Lake may also opt to take the ferry.

Gear Restrictions for the Ferry

Note: Each passenger is allowed three items (any combination of the following):

  • Standard Tote (approx. 30” x 20” x 15”)
  • Standard Cooler (approx. 36-quart cooler)
  • Backpack or Duffle Bag

Passengers may also bring one additional small item (e.g., fishing gear, small cooler bag, diaper bag) and one small personal item that passenger will carry while on board (e.g., purse or small backpack).

Additional Gear Guidelines

  • Try to pack gear in hard-sided totes or coolers
  • Secure fishing gear, rod cases, and tackle boxes
  • No loose gear, grocery bags, paper bags, or other similar open bags
  • No firewood
  • No personal watercraft
  • Any firearms must be secured with the ferry captain
  • All fuel must be stored in the ferry fire locker during passage

Hours: Operates Daily, June - November

2024 Ferry Schedule June 6 - Nov. 4

  • Diablo to Ross: 10:30 a.m.
  • Ross to Diablo: 11 a.m.
  • Diablo to Ross: 2 p.m.
  • Ross to Diablo: 2:30 p.m.

For additional information or to contact the Ross Lake Resort, visit Ross Lake Resort's website.

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center building
Photo credit: North Cascades Institute

Nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake, the award-winning North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is a hub of discovery for all ages, offering programs for adults, teachers, families, and children, it is the result of an exemplary partnership between the North Cascades Institute, Seattle City Light, and the National Park Service. For more information or to sign up for a program at the learning center, visit the North Cascades Institute’s website.


Location: The tree-sheltered campus features 16 buildings clustered on the north shore of Diablo Lake.

Visitors looking down at the Gorge Powerhouse machinery

Tourist Attractions

See history come to life in the City Light company town of Newhalem, founded in 1918. Once home to more than 300 City Light workers and their families, Newhalem now provides a welcoming experience to travelers along State Route 20.

Attractions include:

Skagit Information Center building

Stop by the Skagit Information Center on Main Street to view interpretive displays, shop for unique souvenirs and books, and get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.


2024 Hours of Operation:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27)
May 31 - June 23: Open Friday - Sunday
June 24 - Sept. 29: Open Daily
Sept. 30 - Oct. 13: Open Thursday - Monday

Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA

Historic aerial photo of the town of Newhalem

Print out or stop by the Skagit Information Center to pick up a free copy of the Walk Historic Newhalem self-guided walking tour. The walking tour introduces you to the historic features of the town and the nearby hydroelectric facilities—Gorge and Newhalem Creek.

Fudge for sale at the Skagit General Store

Established in 1922, the General Store is one of four existing buildings on Main Street from the original construction camp. The company store serves residents, workers, and visitors alike. Stop in for some famous homemade Skagit fudge, snacks and beverages, camping supplies, and other essentials.


Hours:
Monday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Main St., Newhalem, WA

Contact Us

For more information about Skagit Tours, including reservation information, visit the North Cascades Institute website, email skagittours.reservations@seattle.gov, or call (360) 854-2589.

For more information about recreational and educational programs at the Skagit Project, contact us online or call (206) 386-4478.

City Light

Dawn Lindell, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34023, Seattle, WA, 98124-4023
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SCL_ExternalComms@seattle.gov

Seattle City Light was created by the citizens of Seattle in 1902 to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric power to the City of Seattle and neighboring suburbs.