#GenJPtravels to the North Cascades National Park, Washington | PNW Photographer: Couples Photoshoot in the Mountains

You can find the Travel Vlog of my Road Trip on YouTube!

August 31, 2019
Mountain Photoshoot at Diablo Lake: North Cascades National Park, WA

To hear about a (shorter) day consisting of: the most adorable couple, my camera, mountain views, a super turquoise lake, and suggestions on what you can do at the North Cascades - keep on reading!

I had a couples photoshoot scheduled with Lauren's sister and brother-in-law set for Diablo Lake in the North Cascades National Park.  After the shoot, Lauren and I were planning to hike Diablo Lake, but we ended up taking our time with the shoot instead. Although a short day, our first impression of the North Cascades was too beautiful not to share!  I decided to write up a blog post about things you CAN do at the North Cascades.

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Even though the North Cascades National Park is only about 2 hours from Seattle, this was both Lauren’s and my first time visiting the North Cascades.  We’ve only seen photos of Diablo Lake and have had it on our summer bucketlist for awhile. So when Lauren’s sister, Kaitlin and Kaitlin’s husband, Andrew wanted to do a couples photoshoot in the mountains, it worked out too perfectly!  Kaitlin and Andrew just got married this past May 2019 (CONGRATS TO THEM!) and I had the awesome opportunity to capture Andrew's surprise proposal back in December 2017 at a Christmas Tree Farm.  These two are SO adorable and I couldn't be more thankful for their willingness to drive to such a stunning mountain location!

We learned that Diablo Lake is a reservoir created by the Diablo Dam.  Its turquoise color is caused by glacial flour (a powder that is created by the rocks that are grounded-up by nearby glaciers).  At the base of Diablo Lake is one the North Cascades’ popular hikes, Diablo Lake Trail (7.5 miles out and back, with a 1,538 ft. elevation gain).

However, in addition to Diablo Lake there are also easier options such as, Blue Lake Trail (5.3 miles out and back, with a 958 elevation gain).  In contrast to Diablo Lake, the water of Blue Lake is known to be one of the clearest. Many hikers claim that even though Diablo Lake is more well-known, Blue Lake is the hike you want to do if you only have time for one hike during your trip.

Lauren and I packed up the car that morning with the full intent to go hiking that day, but instead we decided to spend more time with the shoot because we were having so much fun.  We also wanted to get back home before dark.

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Annnd that's a wrap!

Crossed off the last Washington National Park off of my list!  3 National Parks have been conquered out of the 3 National Parks in Washington!

Although we didn’t do much exploring this trip, it was an INCREDIBLE first impression to these beautiful mountains not too far from home for us!  Lauren and I both agree that we’ll be back one day soon to explore these beautiful and peaceful mountains. Out of the three National Parks in Washington, it would be almost impossible to pick a favorite since all three have unique things to offer.  However, I did truly appreciate the lack of traffic and the quiet of the North Cascades.

Cheers to living life OUTDOORS!
Gen