Diablo Lake Trail
(Milepost 127)

This trail is located on the north side of Diablo Lake. Take the access road across Diablo Dam to its termination point at the Diablo Lake Trailhead. Park out of the roadway and walk out on the dam to check for possible Townsend's Solitaires, Red Crossbills, and Violet-green Swallows. Be very careful of other traffic on the dam. The lake can harbor Barrow's Goldeneyes, Western Grebes, Buffleheads and Canada Geese. Check the pilings for cormorants and around the docks and logfloats for Horned and Pied-billed Grebes. White-crowned, Golden-crowned and Song Sparrows sing in spring from the edge of the road, and the deciduous trees along the way can produce Western Tanagers, Black-throated Gray and Townsend's Warblers. Park at the gravel parking lot at the end of the road. Look for the trailhead sign located north of the road. Beyond the road is the location of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center opening in fall of 2000.

The trail is just under four miles one way and gently climbs through rich and diverse habitats including mature fir forests, mixed deciduous growth and rocky outcroppings with open sky. Because of this diversity, many species, resident and migrant, are attracted here.

About two miles from the trailhead, a small social trail turns right and leads to a dramatic view of Diablo Lake and surrounding peaks. This area is not only a great lunch spot but an excellent place to scan for raptors. Bald Eagles, Red-tailed, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are all very probable here. Peregrine Falcons and Northern Goshawks, both rare in the park, have been observed here. Northern Flickers, Pileated, Hairy, and rarely, Three-toed Woodpeckers are present. Red Crossbills, Townsend's Solitaires, Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatches are a good bet as well as Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, Nashville and Townsend's Warblers. This open space is also great for Rufous Hummingbirds, butterflies and dragonflies. Look in the tall maple and alder trees for Cassin's and Warbling Vireos, Hammond's and Pacific-slope Flycatchers and an occasional Northern Pygmy Owl. Ruffed Grouse and Spotted Towhee frequent the thickets around the edge.

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