Track 1: Introduction

Welcome to CarTours the Skagit River valley. Today, we’ll travel through one of the largest areas of protected wildlands in the United States-a vast mountain and river ecosystem that is home to diverse species of salmon, deer, bear, towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and thousands of other plants and animals.

Seattle City Light
Continue listening to the program as you enter and begin to explore historic Newhalem. The upcoming towns of Newhalem and Diablo tell the story of Seattle City Light. Since 1918, Seattle City Light has operated the Skagit Hydroelectric Project, which provides electrical power to the city of Seattle. Three dams were built in the Skagit Gorge between 1918 and 1952

Leaving Diablo Overlook
Welcome back to CarTours. During big snow years, Ross Lake must be drawn down so it can accommodate the coming torrent of spring meltwater. For the record snow year of 1999, Ross Lake was drawn down about 130 feet-its lowest level since the dam was constructed. Once again, National Park Service archaeologist Bob Mierendorf: