Remote Ross Lake

Imagine paddling two wilderness lakes over 400ft in elevation apart surrounded by high mountains set within the United States least visited National Park! In fact Ross Lake is so remote it takes a 3 hour drive from Seattle; a stop at the Ranger Station to purchase a wilderness camping permit; then a 3 mile paddle on Diablo Lake to the Dam; a phone call for a kayak switch-back shuttle on a flat bed truck courtesy of Ross Lake Resort JUST to Reach the edge of Ross Lake! Believe me it’s worth the hassle. Alternatively you can make a long drive thru Canada on a rough dirt road (carrying 2 spare tires is recommended) after clearing customs to reach the north end of the lake.

Our partnership company ANEW OUTDOORS had a 4 day trip planned to guide two families on Ross and needed an extra guide? Naturally I jumped at the opportunity to explore the North Cascades National Park. Our task: Three kids requesting as much swim time and cliff jumping as we could muster. Three parents wanting a safe outdoor experience and to have the kids learn plenty of wilderness camping and kayaking skills along the way. Such requests were easily met at Ross Lake.

The portage truck backed down the dirt road to Diablo Lake, where we were waiting. It took all of us to lift each heavily loaded kayak onto the truck. You then climb on top of the load and hang on as the truck winds its way up the switch back road, then thru a hobbit like tunnel blasted out of the rock face. Naturally the kids loved this! Finally Ross Lake greeted us. Across from the put-in the majestic peaks tower above Ross Lake Resort, an oasis in the wilderness. The resort is quaint, picturesque and comprises of floating cabins with amenities. We however are here for camping and it feels like we have 20 miles of Wilderness Lake to ourselves. The Boy Scouts are frequent visitors, but the lake is huge, and camp sites are plentiful.

Ross lakes water temp is warmer than its sister lake Diablo, so paddling, swimming, and exploring was on the agenda. McMillan & Big Beaver campsites are opposite one another and make for a great base camp, about 7 miles north of the Resort. We had a McMillan permit and used this great campsite nestled amongst tall evergreens as base camp for 4 days of exploration. Sunsets were spectacular, and all campsites come with a metal bear proof food cache, fire pits, and well maintained floating docks, perfect for sun bathing and swimming. We had sun until 8pm every night. In the evenings the guides taught the kids how to light a fire using the “bow and stick,” and Lewis and Clark era “flint and steel “methods, plus various survival fire lighting methods.

ANEW Outdoors is well known for providing experienced guides (all have over fifteen years guiding experience) cater great food, and we ate well on the open fire and dined on Dutch oven cuisine. Hot dogs and burgers also kept the kids happy.

Devils Creek Gorge is a must see canyon and day trip on the lake. Hanging ferns line the canyon walls, and mossy trees surround the cliffs on both sides. Overhanging cliffs made this spot a great place for swimming and cliff jumping. Floating in your PFD (personal flotation device) is a great way to experience this place.

On day three we found a beautiful creek with deep wading pools, and a secret vertical waterfall not visible from the lake and prevented access from land. Were keeping this location a secret! You’ll have to join us on our next trip here. Hiking the Big Beaver Trail about 5 miles in will get you into some spectacular old growth trees. After 4 days of beautiful weather and scenery none of us wanted to leave. We did have an exciting shuttle to look forward to though! Homeward bound, craving a burger? Stop in for a Buffalo Burger at the Buffalo Run Restaurant in Marblemount, a great eatery just outside of the Park. Homemade ice-cream further down the road midway between Rockport & Marblemount topped off a great trip – I’ll be back for more someday. Submitted by Essex Explorer Jason Goldstein.