Ross Lake in North Cascades National Park

Ross Lake

The 24-mile-long Ross Lake is situated on the U.S.-Canadian border and is well known for it's recreational opportunities.

Plan Around Ross Lake

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Ross Lake Details

The 24-mile-long Ross Lake is situated on the U.S.-Canadian border and is well known for it's recreational opportunities. Ross Lake is the northernmost of three lakes created by the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project dams. Despite the lake's cold waters and remote location, it is popular among canoeists and kayakers, and the rainbow trout that inhabit the lake make it a fisherman's paradise. There are also a few of adventurous day hikes on the east side of the lake, including a challenging trail to the summit of 6,100 foot Desolation Peak, and connecting trails for extended backpacking trips in the Okanogan National Forest, Ross Lake Recreational Area, and North Cascades National Park. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and the looming massifs of Colonial, Snowbird, and Pyramid Peaks. Lodging near Ross Lake is limited, but there are a number of primitive boat-in and trailside campsites on the southern and eastern shores, and the Ross Lake and Hozomeen Campgrounds on the north shore. All sites are first-come, first-served, and all require backcountry permits and the use of bear-proof food storage boxes. Ross Lake Resort, a popular and unique floating hotel on the southeastern side of the lake, offers rustic but comfortable cabins and bunkhouses, as well as fishing and boating equipment rentals and portage assistance. There are no stores or restaurants near Ross Lake, and supplies available at Ross Lake Resort are limited. Access to Ross Lake is via an unpaved road from Hope, B.C., or by trail or water.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

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Nearby Parks Around Ross Lake

Compare nearby parks around Ross Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

11.0 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

117.4 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

138.6 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

284.8 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

322.8 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

407.0 mi away

Crater Lake

National Park · OR

Nearby Points of Interest Around Ross Lake

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ross Lake while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Ross Lake Campgrounds

The Ross Lake Campgrounds are only accessible by boat.

0.4 mi away

Ross Lake Resort

The Ross Lake Resort features charming furnished cabins and bunkhouses on the shores of Ross Lake.

0.9 mi away

Ross Lake Overlook

Often overshadowed by the nearby Diablo Lake Overlook, Ross Lake Overlook offers extensive views of this narrow, 22-mile-long lake.

0.9 mi away

Happy Creek Boardwalk and Falls Trail

Happy Creek is a short, fully accessible boardwalk trail.

0.9 mi away

Happy Creek Forest Walk

The Happy Creek Forest Walk is a short, fully accessible boardwalk trail.