Picturesque series of dams along the Skagit River, guided and self tours available. Explore the mountain town of Newhalem, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Skagit Information Center, which was constructed in 1999 to serve a new generation of tourists and provide information to visitors to the North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The building was designed to blend with the architecture of Newhalem and surrounding landscape. Next to the Information Center (toward the highway) is Bunkhouse #23. Originally built in 1920 to house construction workers, it still provides lodging for City Light employees temporarily working on Skagit Project facilities. Old Number Six, a Baldwin steam locomotive, played an important role in the construction of the Skagit Project. It operated on Seattle City Lights’ Skagit River Railway, which ran 23 miles from Rockport to Newhalem, and later extended to Diablo. The railroad, under construction in 1920, was built to carry construction materials, equipment, and workers to the towns, dams, and powerhouses. Starting in 1924, it also transported tourists visiting the area. By 1940, the U.S. Forest Service had developed a passable road to Newhalem, but travel to the area by passenger car was not common until after World War II when the road was improved as part of the state highway system. The locomotive operated until the railroad was removed in 1954.
In the 1930s, Ladder Creek Falls Garden was famous for its exotic flowers but these plants required over wintering in greenhouses and dedicated care. Many did not survive due to manpower shortages during World War II. However, the trail through the gardens, as well as the associated pools and bridges, are still present, enhancing a noteworthy display of established native plants, designed and cared for by today’s City Light gardeners. Visit the nighttime display of lights; energy-efficient LED lights, installed in 2011, create a spectacular display. Take the trail (¼-mile distance) for incredible views of waterfalls in a narrow slot gorge.
The Newhalem Powerhouse generated energy for the Gorge Dam construction. It continues to utilize the original power tunnel, penstock, Pelton wheels, turbines and generators. It’s the oldest operating power plant in the Skagit system. To reach the powerhouse, cross the suspension bridge at the end of Main Street and follow the Trail of the Cedars (approximately one mile round-trip; 40 minutes, including stops).
