My North Cascades Story - A North Cascades Adventure for the Senses

A North Cascades Adventure for the Senses

By Cregan Newhouse, Tour Guide, Seattle City Light

Imagine the wilderness with no sound. Is it still wonderful? Sixteen members of the Puget Sound Association for the Deaf recently visited North Cascades National Park for the first time this summer. Their destination was the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and they began their day at the Skagit Information Center in Seattle City Light's company town of Newhalem, Washington.

Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself furiously scribbling notes back and forth as I answered questions about black bears, cougars and why Newhalem was considered a company town. We filled three pages of a notebook before their American Sign Language interpreter arrived, by which time I knew how to sign the words mountain; beautiful and thank you. The tour was highlighted by a boat ride through the stunning Diablo Lake Gorge, which opens up to an incredible view of 540 foot tall Ross Dam. The group enjoyed learning about the history of the area, and was especially pleased that a National Park Service Ranger was on board, to provide information and to answer questions about trails, wildlife, natural history and camping.

Dropping back by the Information Center after the tour, several of the group sought me out to let me know that the boat ride through Diablo Gorge was stunning, and that what they had seen and felt that day would never be forgotten.