pnw trip: north cascades national park

the drive into the park had us heading northeast, up up up, and out of seattle into the mountains. the cascades rise surprising and dramatic, thick, row after row of young sharp mountains covered in green trees, and some snow. it was such a joy to drive into these mountains. as soon as we rolled into the park, we hopped out for a roadside vista and short hike, where we learned that the mountain rivers running out of these mountains have been dammed up to generate washington's electricity....and consequently some very very beautiful turquoise alpine lakes. 

one of these lakes was diablo lake, and our gorgeous campsite sat right on the edge of this cold clear lake. we wasted no time getting right down to that water.

we set up camp,

we got to know our new camper van, 

and had a lovely first evening of camping next to our minnesota neighbors. 

the next morning, we set off for a hike to the ross lake dam, and the drive was gorgeous. 

the milky appearance of the water is attributed to the "rock flour" that the glaciers scrape off the mountains and wash into the rivers. the ground down rock reflects the light, and the color is mesmerizing. 

 

oh hey camper van!

the hike down to the dam was easy and super cool,

and very rewarding. 

after a big lunch at the van table on the side of the road, we gathered ourselves together for a hike to the high alpine lake on the east side of the park, called blue lake. 

it was an uphill climb for 2.5 miles

but the lake was a reward. all three of these crazies brought their swimsuit, but only one went in.

back at the campsite, these two got very busy building a fort in a ditch-like zone, 

and then got out the knives and started whittling their marshmallow sticks. i can't believe no one got cut this whole trip.