An extension of the Falls and the bridge, worth taking this short paved path to a couple of overlooks that showcase the dams along the Skagit River. Some of the signs need improvements, sadly.

Perfect place for all to get out and stretch their legs. Beautiful views and the kids will appreciate not being stuck in the car.  It appears to be just a bathroom stop but the trail is behind the parking lot. 

North Cascades National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the US. It’s often overlooked because of its location, but it’s very well worth it and it’s one of my favorite National Parks out of the multiple parks I’ve been to. With dazzling blue green water’s to crashing waterfalls to mile high rugged mountains. Gorge Lake Overlook is such an easy stop right off the road and perfect for families visiting the park.

Did an overnight at Neve camp on Friday, then hit the Gorge Lake Overlook and Ladder Creek Falls on the way back to Seattle Friday morning.

Got to the Marblemount WIC around 9AM.  Right now this is the only Ranger Station issuing backcountry permits for NCNP, but if you're looking to do a trail for which you would normally be getting a permit from a different Ranger Station, supposedly you can email the Park and they'll coordinate getting the permit with you without making you drive all the way out to Marblemount. Details were in a recorded voice message on the Marblemount's phone system.

They've got a ticket dispenser in the parking lot at the Marblemount WIC, be sure to grab a ticket for your serving number when you get there... though while standing around waiting for your turn, please don't block the few parking spots that are in the parking lot.

THUNDER CREEK TRAIL

After getting the permit I headed for Colonial Creek Campgrounds.  The Ranger that issued my permit noted they've been having bear troubles in the area due to some improperly stored food at the campgrounds. Good reminder to always properly store your scented items.  I was also told while on the trail that someone had seen a bear around the bridge over Thunder Creek.

For overnight trips you still park at the TH for Thunder Creek (just keep driving all the way through the campgrounds). They have some spots signed as day use only, but there's still probably around 15 spots available for overnighters.  The restroom building was clean and well stocked with TP and soap, though only one sink in the women's side was working.

FYI, dogs (on leashes please and thank you) are actually allowed on the portion of the trail within the Ross Lake Recreation Area; this area is shown separately from the National Park on pretty much every trail map I've seen but failing that they also have a map at the TH showing the dog / no dog zones.  Basically once you get past McAllister Camp you're back in National park and dogs are once again not allowed.

Made it out to Neve and set up camp at a site overlooking Thunder Creek.  There's a clear stream running through the camp, which was a relief for my filter.  After setting up camp and getting a late lunch I started up towards 4th of July pass but only got a little over halfway there before turning around.  I had jammed my knee on the way in to Neve and while it wasn't bothering me too much on flat or uphill, I was worried enough about how it would do on the steep, rocky and rooty downhill trip that I decided discretion was the better part of valor.  Still got a couple ok views.  Bugs along this bit seemed to be a little worse than on the Thunder Creek trail, but that might just be because I was going much slower.  Still, only got bit a couple times and I never bothered with bug spray.

Flowers were sparse at the beginning of the trail, but increased as you got further out.  Salmonberries were ripening, but most were either not ready yet or already picked over.  Oregon grape berries were also ripening, though wouldn't recommend eating these raw as they are incredibly tart. 

Didn't see too many people on the trail on Friday night, but Saturday I passed at least 25 people heading in even though that was around 8AM.

GORGE LAKE OVERLOOK

I'd seen the Gorge Creek waterfalls heading in to the campgrounds and made a note to stop on the way back.  There's parking on either end of the vehicular bridge over Gorge Creek, though the parking area on the west end is the parking lot for the Gorge Lake Overlook trail, too.  There are two toilets available (supposedly accessible, but I didn't use them so can't speak to this).  

The trail is about a 0.5 mile loop, with the first 0.2 miles paved (and accessible) and the next 0.3 miles unpaved (and not accessible)... The two "viewpoints" are both along the accessible portion of the trail.  The entire trail is flat and easy to travel, and there is signage along it explaining the dam and it's role in SCL's power distribution network (with the usual SCL propaganda).  While nothing spectacular, this would be a good leg stretcher for those with children.  And the Gorge Creek waterfalls at least is worth a quick stop (note the waterfalls is viewed from the pedestrian walkways on the Gorge Creek bridge, not along the Gorge Lake Overlook trail).

LADDER CREEK FALLS

The TH parking for this falls is located just west of the Gorge Powerhouse.  As you're coming down the hill (driving from the Colonial Creek Campground toward the west) you'll see a vehicular bridge with "do not enter" signage.  Directly next to this is a short driveway to a small parking area that can fit maybe around 10 cars if people park intelligently.  If you miss the turn (as I did - the do not enter signage is confusing) you can turn at the Newhalem General Store and then take the back way - there is a one way street that is signed for HWY 20 that runs south then east and will take you to the parking lot.

There are no restrooms at the TH, but there are restrooms available in Newhalem.

From the parking lot you head southeast to get to a pedestrian bridge over the Skagit River, which was open when I was there (some previous trip reports noted it as closed).  The walking paths to the falls are not accessible.

The signage in the area notes gardens as well as Ladder Creek Falls, but don't get your hopes up.  SCL is clearly only providing the minimum amount of effort they can into maintaining the area that will keep the walking paths clear/ usable.  The rest of the "gardens" is being left unmaintained with the exception of the flower bed that greets you immediately after you cross the pedestrian bridge (including one structure that is in the process of completely falling apart and only has a bit of caution tape around it). 

I'm not opposed to letting the planting areas go back to nature, but if that's the intention I personally don't think it should be marketed as a garden as that sets a certain level of expectation... but maybe I'm just unreasonable.

There is signage along the walking paths talking about how the gardens were started by the second Superintendent of SCL and how they were used to show off the wonders of electricity.  Gaia clocked the trip at about 0.7 miles with 100 ft elevation gain from the parking lot, hitting all the walking paths.

I think we took this walk. The trees were so overgrown we almost missed the view of the lake. It was short enough that it wasn’t a wasted jaunt.