Washington Pass Observation Site Overlook

In June, we visited the Washington Pass Observation Site Overlook twice while traveling the North Cascades Highway (SR 20).

On the first visit (heading east), we were driving under sunny blue skies. That’s when I broke one of my travel rules.

I assumed those sunny blue skies would still be there when we drove back (west) over the North Cascades Highway. I assumed I could take photos later and they would look warm and glowy.

So I didn’t pause to take photos of these gorgeous mountains when the weather was perfect. One can see what happened when we returned for our second visit.

When we came back across SR 20 (after visiting Mazama and Winthrop), the mountains and view looked so different—one might say quite moody, with gray drizzle overhead.

And that weather can sometimes put me in a funk. So I almost didn’t get out and take photos. I almost stayed inside the auto. I almost decided there was no salvaging my mistake.

I was also still thinking about an enormous boulder that had tumbled down the mountain, that landed on the white line next to our lane.

But the air was still quiet and peaceful. My boyfriend reminded me I was overdue to stretch my legs. And a few people were on the trail (I wouldn’t be alone if I saw a bear).

Getting outside at 5,500 feet above sea level, roaming the smooth path, and witnessing the steep granite mountains with their stunning alpine forest … felt exhilarating and meditative.

There was so much beauty everywhere.