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Lighting Seattle since 1905 Jorge Carrasco, Superintendent
Visions of the Skagit
Skagit Tours
"Breathtaking, a scenic splendor never to be forgotten..."

Skagit Tours Cancelled for 2010

News Release

Alert: Fishermen's Ferry Schedule

Seattle City Light has restored service of the Fishermen's Ferry across Diablo Lake, which was cut off by a March 15 rockslide.

The rockslide buried two landing docks and a National Park access road utilized by backcountry hikers/kayakers, and Ross Lake Resort customers to travel from Diablo Lake around Ross Dam to Ross Lake. Seattle City Light and North Cascades National Park have been working in partnership to restore access via a new road and new loading docks. Watch a video of that work here.

The Fishermen's Ferry departs daily from the Diablo Lake Tour Dock located adjacent to Diablo Dam and from a new landing dock installed on the Ross Powerhouse side.

Daily Ferry departs:
Diablo Tour Dock - 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Ross Powerhouse Ferry Dock - 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM

Ferry service is $10 per person, one-way. Note, gear will need to be hauled approximately 50 yards up a steep incline to access Ross Lake Resort transportation. Currently, accessibility for canoe and kayak transport is severely limited and not recommended.

Welcome to Seattle City Light's Skagit River Hydroelectric Project! Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the North Cascades. There are many things to see and do whether you visit for a day or longer.

View our video, Surround Yourself in the Rugged Beauty of the North Cascades

View our video, Newhalem Walking Tour

See "A Milepost Guide to the North Cascades"

Greg Johnston of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported on camping and hiking opportunities around the Skagit Project . Read his report here.

Madeline McKenzie of the Seattle Times reported on the Skagit Project, and things to see and do . Read her report here.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter/photographer Jeff Larsen spent two days at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project sampling the scenery, sights, and splendor of the Skagit River and North Cascades National Park. Read his report, Short Trips: Slow Down and Enjoy the Power and Beauty of Newhalem.

Among the several self-guided walks at the Skagit Project is Ladder Creek Falls. Named "Best Secret Great Escape" by Northwest Backroads, a locally-produced program of Seattle's KING-TV, Ladder Creek offers a one-of-a-kind walk through waterfalls and exotic gardens. Named "Best Waterfall on the Loop" by the Cascade Loop Association, Ladder Creek is also recognized as one of the "Best places to kiss" in Washington state.
  • Skagit Fudge!

    Everyone agrees! The best "dam" fudge you've ever tasted is made right here in Newhalem, Washington. Tourists and residents alike have enjoyed it for years. Now you can order Skagit Fudge for the holidays...or anytime! For prices and ordering information, go to the Skagit General Store.




Since 1918, Seattle City Light has operated the Skagit Power Project to deliver hydroelectric power to the City of Seattle.

Visit the Skagit General Store on the web and when you're in Newhalem (good food, local and historical information). The North Cascades Chamber of Commerce website has an events calendar and excellent information on local attractions. The North Cascades National Park web site has details on trails, camping, lodging, activities, facilities, fees and permits. Visit www.parks.wa.gov for Washington State Park campgrounds and other information. The North Cascades Institute offers environmental education for all ages. Go to www.ncascades.org for a listing of classes and seminars in the North Cascades and Skagit Valley. For information on Ross Lake Resort, a secluded floating resort, visit www.rosslakeresort.com.

Find more adventures in Washington state at Experience Washington, Clipper Vacations and Northwest Charm.



Due to heightened security, Seattle City Light has restricted access to certain areas of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.

There is no public access to Ross and Diablo Powerhouses, and the Incline Railway. Other seasonal attractions including the Gorge Powerhouse Visitors' Gallery and Ladder Creek Falls are open May through September. The Trail of the Cedars and the Gorge Dam Overlook Trail remain open year-round for public use.





Diablo Dam


Old Number Six


Ladder Creek Falls


Diablo Lake from Hwy 20 Viewpoint


Pyramid Peak from the top of Diablo Dam




Ross Dam and Powerhouse

For additional information, please send email to Janice Boman at janice.boman@seattle.gov or call 206.684.3030.

Local Sights | Q&A | Skagit History | Diablo Lake Adventure | Skagit General Store


Skagit Project       |       Boundary Project


The Seattle City Light Web Team:

Seattle City Light -- 700 5th Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle, WA 98104-5031 -- 206.684.3000
Mailing address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 3200, P.O. Box 34023 Seattle, WA 98124-4023