Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm was unfortunately closed at the time due to fire until late September 2024, so I only stopped at viewpoints in this park. The real hikes I did (Maple Pass and Blue Lake) were technically part of nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, but are so nearby they're frequently grouped together with North Cascades National Park.
The sounds seem to echo for miles away from here.
Diablo Lake overlook fit neatly into the itinerary, being en route to Maple Pass from where I was staying in Darrington. The lake seemed to change color in the lighting from morning to sunset, shifting hues from green to a striking deep blue. The parking lot is large and there was no trouble finding a spot at either 9:30am or 6pm. The viewpoint is right at the parking lot itself so it's a very easy stop. Don't miss it!
An essential viewpoint in the North Cascades.
One of my favorite things about the North Cascades was that all the stops were along the same highway. Washington Pass Overlook was no exception. I ended the day here around sunset after finishing the Blue Lake trail and was not disappointed- the views are super expansive and it's only a few minutes' walk from the parking lot.