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High up on Big Devil Peak, looming thousands of feet above the Skagit River and Highway 20, a small glacier feeds an unnamed stream which produces one of the more noticeable waterfalls seen along Highway 20, west of Newhalem. At first glance, the falls appear no more than a 200 foot tall plunge, dropping down a sheer cliff, halfway up the mountainside. But upon closer inspection, it becomes evident to those with the desire to investigate further, that the falls extend nearly all the way down to the Skagit River. In the last mile of the stream's length, there is a 2600 foot elevation loss, some or all of which is part of this waterfall. Unfortunately, all but the portion of the falls pictured here is hidden from view along Highway 20. It may be possible to see more of the falls from above the highway, near the power lines which parallel the road, but how much can be seen, I don't know, and for that reason, I'm not posting any outrageous height figures until I can be more certain. I'm hoping to one day access the bottom of the falls by rafting across the Skagit River. The falls deserve a lower rating in the summer, as the volume of the stream diminishes. Though the falls themselves aren't terribly photogenic, especially long off in the distance, but on a clear day, the view of the creek plummeting off Big Devil Peak, with it's feeder glaciers in the background, is inspiring and definitely worth a look.
- Big Devil Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
I've suggested this name for the peak which the stream originates from, as well as the fact that the falls are really tall and the name just fits.
These falls are visible from US Highway 20, approximately 4 miles west from Newhalem, or 10 miles east of Marblemount. The best place to see the falls is at a pullout next to a cliff on the opposite side of the road. Watch for the Skagit River to swing right next to the road at this point.
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