Tag: Seattle City Light

5 Things to Explore at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project

Summer is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest with the fall season peeking over the horizon. Before we know it, school will be back in session, leaves will start to change colors and the days will begin to get shorter. Now is the time to plan that one last road trip before Labor Day. City Light’s Skagit Hydroelectric Project is just a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle and offers fantastic views and stops along the way! Nestled in North Cascades National Park, Skagit offers majestic mountain views, emerald waters and a rich history of providing clean energy to the Puget Sound. Here are a few of our favorite must-dos!

1) Explore the wares at the Skagit County General Store

Since 1922, the Skagit General Store has provided provisions for City Light employees and, more recently, road warriors alike. Today, employees and visitors alike can purchase milk, soda, and snacks, plus camping and picnic supplies. The store is especially known for its delicious homemade fudge! While they do offer samples, you’ll probably leave with a pound…or two.
(While you’re in Newhalem, be sure to get a selfie with Old Engine 6, the decommissioned train engine on the side of Highway 20!)

 

2) Feel the refreshing spray of water on Lake Diablo

Hop aboard the Alice Ross IV (named after the wife of City Light’s first superintendent, J.D. Ross) and set out on a tour of Diablo Lake. Experience parts of the lake that are typically hidden from view when traveling by highway or hiking on trails. Your tour will come alive with stories about the early explorers and settlers in the area and the challenges of dams and powerhouses in a very remote location. Skagit Tours offers lunch and afternoon tours. Between the almost-ethereal emerald waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, it will be a trip you will not soon forget.
Click here to register for a lake tour!

3) Climb around Ladder Creek Falls

Next to the Gorge Powerhouse flows the Ladder Creek Falls. A flight of stairs brings you close to the falls surging through imposing rock formations.
J.D. Ross envisioned and treated the Skagit Project as a theme park, and remnants of that vision are still visible to this day, specifically: the illuminated falls. At night, the falls come alive with color that change by the minute. The best way to experience falls is following Skagit Tours’ renowned Dam Good Chicken Dinner*, a meal that has been enjoyed for decades. It’s a Skagit Project essential!
*A vegetarian option is also available.  

4) Sign up for a class at the North Cascades Institute

The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center’s mission is to inspire and empower environmental stewardship for all through transformative educational experiences in nature. This beautiful facility was constructed with support from City Light and is operated by the North Cascades Institute. NCI offers classes that range in age range, duration and interest.
Click here to learn more!

5) Drive (or walk!) across Diablo Dam

Last, but certainly not least, the views from Diablo Dam are not to be missed on your excursion in Skagit. Just off of Highway 20, Diablo Dam provides a 360° view of mountains and Lake Diablo. Stick around and take a lake tour or venture out one of the many trails in the area.

These are just a few of our favorite things to explore in the area. Now it’s time for you to make your own must-do Skagit Project list! Learn more about the variety of tours offered through Skagit Tours. We’re confident you’ll find a tour that will pique your interest! But book soon! Most tours run through September and space is limited.

Click here to get started. See you soon in Skagit!

 

Seattle City Light Crews Head to California for Wildfire Recovery Effort

Early this morning, Seattle City Light sent 19 employees and support equipment to California to assist in restoring the electrical infrastructure damaged by the Mendocino Complex fire.

Four four-person line crews, three operators, a supervisor, a safety manager and a fleets manager are being sent along with large bucket trucks and digger derrick trucks that dig holes for setting utility poles. The crews are trained in construction methods for both transmission and distribution work.

“In the wake of these devasting wildfires, City Light is committed to supporting our fellow utilities to repair the area’s infrastructure,” City Light Interim CEO and General Manager Jim Baggs said. “We are proud to send our crews to California and look forward to their safe return.”

The crews will be in the area for at least two weeks. We will post updates from our crews as we receive them.

 

Skagit Tour Season Kicks Off With Familiarization Event

The beauty of our national parks can be a highlight to any summer. Our Skagit Tour season kicked off in late June with a familiarization event, framed by the stunning North Cascades National Park. That’s a long title for hosting a diverse group of media, agency representatives, and social media influencers who in turn post or publish to promote the tours. The 15 participants were treated to a hybrid version of our Skagit Tours and, as you can see from the photo, captured some great weather and material for their posts.

Get a first-hand familiarization yourself! Our boat-based tours provide a wonderful way to experience the majestic mountains of the North Cascades and glistening Diablo Lake with views that are not accessible by foot or car. Our land-based tours feature the beautiful simplicity of hydropower, the amazing history of our company town, and a lighted waterfalls walk with a famous chicken dinner. Register today at: skagittours.com or (360) 854-2589.

Photo credit: Nathan MacDonald, Seattle City Light

 

Four Ways to Stay Cool This Fourth of July

There’s nothing better than Seattle in the summertime. But with temperatures approaching 80 degrees this Fourth of July, you may be looking for ways to beat the heat. Here are a few tips from the U.S. Department of Energy* on how to keep cool and conserve energy without breaking the bank! Check out this month’s issue of Light Reading for more innovative ways to conserve energy this summer from planting a tree to using your slow cooker. Click here to take a look!

Crews Complete Upgrade in Mt. Baker in Support of East Link Extension

City Light crews recently completed important work ahead of Sound Transit’s East Link Extension. Thirty-nine utility poles were placed and upgraded wire was installed in a section of the Mt. Baker neighborhood.

The investment in infrastructure will provide power to Sound Transit’s planned traction power substation. The new substation will help electrify light rail to the Eastside.

City Light appreciates customers’ patience during this important project. More information can be found here.