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This view of Mt. Shuksan from Picture Lake is as spectacular as it is popular. (Robert Morgan) |
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The North Cascades are a strikingly beautiful, breath-taking range of rugged peaks. From views of glacier clad peaks to cascading waterfalls to long valley lakes and views that encompass all of the above, North Cascades National Park Service Complex is undeniably picturesque. Along Highway 20 through the heart of the park are numerous scenic turnouts with interpretive displays and information boards, such as the Diablo and Ross Lake overlooks. The former affords a magnificent view not only of Diablo Lake, but also of Colonial Peak and its accompanying glaciers while the latter provides visitors with a vista that stretches all the way into Canada taking in Ross Lake, Jack Mountain and Hozomeen Mountain along the way. What is perhaps the most popular and widely photographed view of the park is actually seen from the aptly named Picture Lake in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the west of the park. The spot is the starting point of a popular climbing route, which leads into the park and eventually to the summit of Mt. Shuksan. Adventurous climbers often brave the crevassed glaciers and long steep slopes of this or other popular climbing routes to gain spectacular panoramas from high upon these splendid mountains.
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