Day 3: Newhalem Campground

Last night we heard some elk bugling and owls who'ing, but it was a quiet night besides the wildlife. We got off to a very late start at around 9:30. It was 50 something and sunny. The ride out of the state park was very nice and we hoped right back on to the Cascade trail. This turned out to be an awesome idea.

Since the trail used to be a railway it stayed nice and flat as the Highway 20 unudated up and down next to us. Additionally the surface was more dirt than gravel and led use through forest covered portions with waterfalls and streams. Magical is about the best way to describes portions of it.

Unfortunately Matt wasn't feeling very well, scratchy throat and stuffy head. But we made it to the grocey store to stock up since services are look sparse for the 2 days. Then we paused in Concrete for the obligatory pictrue of the structure giving the town it's name.

Plodding along on Highway 20 we enjoyed the wide shoulders and pushed on towards Rockport. There we were about to cross the bridge when a gentlemen in a city truck let us know there were restrooms in the park behind him, and we realized it was perfection for a lunch stop.  So Howard Miller Steelhead Park on the banks of the Skagit river was our lunch stop.

After this we cross the Skagit and parlleled the 20 for a bit on a deserted road to Marblemount. The day warmed up a fair bit at 80 or so degrees, but it's hard not to enjoy a nicely paved empty road. 

We paused over the Cascade River and we're admiring the very large fish below when a black dog snuck up to us wagging his tail. This guy walked on the sidewalk to us, muzzled up and appreciated the petting we gave and then just sat and watched as we pedaled away. A darn good dog. 

In Marblemount we paused for drinks at the convenience store. At this point neither of us was feeling very good but we needed to push on even though the maps said we had some steep climbs ahead. 

Begrudgingly we plodded down Highway 20, miles disappearing, dread growing for the climbs. But in the mean time we were cruising along next to the Skagit River, getting glimpses glacial blue water through the trees, it was beautiful. At some point we realized the map lied. It was mostly flat the entire way! 

Still it was hot and as we approached Newhalem we found the visitor center up a steep grade. We had wanted to get further but didn't think it would be smart to push it. We found a campsite and cooked up some dinner before walking down to the river and sitting next to it for a bit. 

Here's to hoping we'll feel a bit better tomorrow, heading up towards Washington pass, likely will be the next day before we get internet again. 

 Distance 46.56

Time 4:43

Avg 9.84

Max 27.7

Climb 1460

Pam on the Cascade Trail

Trying to capture the trail magic. 

Obligatory photo in Concrete

Those black smudges are rather large fish. 

Our first national park! 

Along the banks of the Skagit River from Newhalem Campground.