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Newhalem is a moderate to large volume stream which flows north into the Skagit River just outside the town of Newhalem in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Approximately a mile above its mouth, the creek sluices between several large boulders then slides and veils down a 167 foot tall roaring cascade. Viewed from above it looks much more vertical than it really is, and from below it becomes foreshortened due to its run and pitch. Because of the nature of the cliff face, when the creek is running high, the falls spread out into a Fan shaped waterfall. The falls are also incorporated into a small hydroelectric generating facility, with a portion of the creek diverted near the top of the falls, which results in a much narrower and less impressively shaped waterfall late in the season.
Though this is easily one of the best waterfalls in the Ross Lake area, and despite being partially visible from the road, this is a very dangerous waterfall to visit. The views from the road are strictly the through-the-tree variety. Clear views are obtainable only by climbing to the edge of the precarious canyon and finding a window through the thick forest or by scrambling down a very crumbly slide area to the bottom of the falls. Consider yourselves warned.
- Newhalem Creek Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Located near Newhalem in the Ross Lake NRA area of the North Cascades National Park complex. Driving east on SR 20, proceed to Newhalem, 15 miles east of Marblemount, and 26 miles east of Rockport. Immediately before entering Newhalem, the highway crosses Goodell Creek. One fifth of a mile after crossing Goodell Creek, turn right towards the North Cascades Visitors Center and the Newhalem Creek campground. Drive, past the campground, straight ahead at the four way stop, for about 2/3 of a mile to a gravel road forking to the left, just as the visitors center comes into view. Follow this gravel road for about 1.1 miles to where the falls can be seen through the trees in the canyon below. The road ends at 1 1/2 miles at a stream gauge and trailhead, simply turn around if you go too far. Use extreme caution if you plan on scrambling down the slope to view the falls; the ground is crumbly and the canyon walls drop off sharply.
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