Colonial Creek in North Cascades National Park

Colonial Creek

Nestled on the shore of Diablo Lake, the Colonial Creek area is a popular stop for motorists exploring the North Cascades Scenic Highway.

Plan Around Colonial Creek

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Colonial Creek Details

This area is home to one of the park's larger developed campgrounds, a fishing pier, dock, and public boat launch, and there are numerous hiking and walking trails nearby. The campground, at milepost 130 on State Route 20, is located in a beautiful old-growth forest at the base of 6,500-foot Colonial Peak, and offers 142 drive-in campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It offers three fully accessible campsites, and many others can be accessed with some assistance. Most of the restrooms are also accessible. Colonial Creek's public dock, fishing deck, and boat launch are always bustling with kayakers and canoeists getting ready to explore Diablo Lake's emerald waters and tranquil backcountry campsites. The launch also provides the only southern access to Ross Lake, some five miles north.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Colonial Creek

Compare nearby parks around Colonial Creek when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

7.6 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

114.1 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

134.8 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

288.8 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

325.2 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

403.4 mi away

Crater Lake

National Park · OR

Nearby Points of Interest Around Colonial Creek

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Colonial Creek while the map context is still fresh.

0.2 mi away

Thunder Knob Trail

Thunder Knob is a great loop hike for both families and seasoned solo hikers looking for a quick climb with rewarding views.

0.4 mi away

Colonial Creek Campground

Colonial Creek Campground is located on Diablo Lake, at the base of Colonial Peak.

0.6 mi away

Diablo Lake Campgrounds

The Diablo Lake Campgrounds are only accessible by boat, and is made up of three areas.

0.6 mi away

Thunder Creek Trail

This trail can be a shorter, easier hike or a longer, more strenuous hike depending on how far you follow it.

1.4 mi away

Diablo Lake Overlook

The Diablo Lake Overlook on the North Cascades Scenic Highway is a favorite destination for many visitors.