Washington Pass Observation Site — Attraction in Okanogan

Several mountain ranges crisscross the Evergreen State. For folks who call this state their home, the mountainous landscape may fade into the mundane. But for someone who lives in the flatter parts of this country, the majesty of places like Washington Pass can be overwhelming. The formidable yet quiet presence of these ancient hills stirs emotions that elude description.

The good people of the National Park Service erected a couple of plaques by the observation point that explain the geological history of the landscape in front of you. One might think that knowing how these hills and valleys came to be will take something away from the grandeur of the scenery. On the contrary, it will make you wonder in more awe about the unstoppable forces that are indifferent to our human existence, which have shaped and reshaped the face of this planet—the planet we foolishly assume to rule.

Next to this scientific explanation, there are two small boards with poems by William Stafford. Just stop for a minute and read his beautiful poems, then look at the mountains again.

What makes the United States a great nation is not that you have all these beautiful places here, but that the people of this country cared enough to protect these places for everyone to enjoy and...

Absolutely gorgeous Observation site with day use picnic tables and several vault toilet bathrooms around the parking areas there. If you are facing Liberty Bell Mountain from the upper parking area, the observation/lookout path will be to your left and marked by a smaller sign. Highly recommended stop if you are headed to or from Eastern WA on this route when Washington Pass is open; the pass closes annually from usually about very late October or as late as mid November, until usually the end of April to as late as the end of May!! Be sure to check pass status before planning the drive. You will need a NW forest pass or to pay for day use at the trailheads along the rout leadi g to and from the site; it is within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Be sure to look into those details ahead of time! I should also mention this is an area that has experienced wildfires this summer (2023), and that closures can also happen in summer/non snowy...

After visiting North Cascades 5 years ago, I never forgot the stunning views to the south and east from this turnout/scenic overlook. In the midst of a western road/camping trip this year, I was determined to return during the new moon to attempt a night sky photo here with the milky way over the "Early Winter Spires" mountain to the south. I drove nearly 600 miles this past Tuesday and arrived just as the sun was setting. I had plenty of time to get set up and wait for astronomical twilight. For this shot, I captured a twilight shot of the mountains and then after two hours, my night sky shot. Tripod was never moved so this is a single composition composited from two shots. I like how it turned out! Five years ago I shot from a campsite at Hart's Pass (a little north of this location, outside the park) but it didn't have the dramatic impact of the alpine scene seen here. Can't wait to...