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ProFessoRKins t1_j25vul2 wrote

New-ish to the state and want to do get to Diablo Lake this summer. Any tips or must-see spots or towns? I'd like to car camp if possible

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anniecoleptic t1_j2623h8 wrote

There's Colonial Creek Campground on the shores of Diablo Lake. We've stayed there a few times (and we consider it a "fancier" campground since it has water spigots and flush toilets; we usually camp where there's only vault toilets and we have to pack in our own water). Also around an hour east of Diablo Lake and on the other side of the pass is Winthrop, a cute Western themed town.

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ProFessoRKins t1_j26a760 wrote

Thank you for the description - I like the water option. A colleague recommended Winthrop some time ago. I didn't realize they were so close. Thank you!

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CaptainBillyum t1_j285bmo wrote

if youre into astrophotography (or just general stargazing/ meteor chasing) Winthrop is rated the darkest town in washington state. I get AMAZING pics there. literally no light pollution

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grby1812 t1_j26suxo wrote

Rainy Lake is easy to access. In May and June the snow melt makes for some beautiful waterfalls over the cliffs above the lake.

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sharhole OP t1_j25zhvk wrote

I car camped at the Maple Pass trailhead, there is parking and some camping spots that don’t need reservations. Not long of a drive to see Diablo Lake.

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wpnw t1_j27jqcl wrote

Pro-tip: you don't need to wait until summer to go to Diablo. The road is open year round to the Ross Dam Trailhead, and there will be far fewer people up there before it gets warmer.

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ProFessoRKins t1_j27toyy wrote

Really? Obviously I haven't done any planning yet. I assumed roads would be impassable or at least unpredictable part of the year.

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wpnw t1_j27v2yf wrote

Only when there's substantial low elevation snow (such as last week - but I would bet it's all melted now). Diablo Lake is only about 1300 feet above sea level, so it doesn't get nearly as much snow as you might think, and even when there is snow it's still plowed year round up to the Ross Dam trailhead so Seattle City Light can still access the dams. I've been up there when there was 2-ish feet of snow in the Diablo Lake overlook parking lot (and gated closed of course), but the main highway itself was totally clear and dry.

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ProFessoRKins t1_j2a2ct3 wrote

Wow, Washington geography is amazing. I'm having the best time exploring. I lived in Colorado for a while in my 20s, and I guess the Rockies are still my frame of reference for images like this.

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