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Thank you for a great season & come visit us next summer! Email SkagitTours.Reservations@Seattle.gov or call us at (206) 684-3030. Clean, Renewable Energy Seattle City Light has generated hydroelectric power on the Skagit River since 1918. Today there are three dams providing power to the citizen-owners in Seattle. These engineering marvels are a testament to the vision and foresight of J.D. Ross, one of the first superintendents of Seattle City Light. The steep canyon of the upper Skagit River formed a natural barrier that kept fish from spawning further up-river, while also providing an ideal location for generating power. As the three dams were built, care was taken to reduce the impact on the natural beauty and pristine environment of the North Cascades and the Skagit River. Today, City Light continues its long history of environmental stewardship along the Skagit. Management of the upper Skagit has resulted in numerous awards by City Light for resource sustainability and habitat preservation. In fact, runs of threatened and endangered salmon species on the Skagit are the highest of all the tributaries to Puget Sound. Because 90 percent of City Light's power resources are from clean, renewable hydroelectric power, in 2005 the utility became the first - and remains the only - electric utility in the U.S. to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Breath-Taking Scenery 
The mountains and glaciers that make up the North Cascades region are some of the most spectacular in the Lower 48 United States. Rugged and majestic, adventurers are drawn to their often snowy slopes to "get away from it all." In fact, author Jack Kerouac spent the summer of 1956 in the Desolation Peak fire lookout that towers above Ross Lake. The North Cascades National Park Complex is managed by the National Park Service with campgrounds and hiking trails dotting the route along Highway 20. The National Park Visitor Center just west of Newhalem is a wonderful location for recreationists to learn about the many outdoor activities and educational opportunities available. With management by the National Park Service, the natural beauty of the area will be protected for generations to come. Educational and Inspirational 
Many partners work together to preserve the beauty that is the North Cascades. In 2006 the North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light combined efforts to create the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on Diablo Lake. This unique facility, which features a holistic design, sustainable architecture, and environmentally responsible operations, is a learning opportunity in its own right. A number of classes and field trips provide day trippers and overnight guests with the chance to discover and explore the North Cascades in a variety of ways. Dining at the ELC completes the experience of learning about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Due to heightened security since Sept. 11, 2001, 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 without a City Light escort; the Incline Railway is not operational. Other attractions including the Gorge Powerhouse Visitors' Gallery, Ladder Creek Falls, the Trail of the Cedars and the Gorge Dam Overlook Trail remain open year-round for public use. For additional information, please email SkagitTours Information Center at SkagitTours.reservations@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-3030. |
 Diablo Dam  Old Number Six  Ladder Creek Falls  Diablo Lake from Hwy 20 Viewpoint  Pyramid Peak from the top of Diablo Dam |
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
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