Things to Do around Ross Lake
Ross Lake is a region in north central Washington, situated just south of the Canada-US border and forming an accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This area is characterized by dramatic landscapes, including snow-dotted peaks, densely forested hills, and turquoise glacial lakes such as Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake. The rugged mountainous terrain and extensive trail networks make Ross Lake a prime destination for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, gravel biking,…
37
Routes
4.3
(33)
Average rating
466
People visited
2.5
(2)
16
hikers
11.9km
03:11
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
21
hikers
10.2km
02:49
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
50
hikers
6.96km
01:49
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.6
(5)
26
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
riders
80.3km
06:16
700m
700m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
riders
43.7km
03:39
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
40.8km
02:35
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
55.8km
03:11
470m
470m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
4
riders
79.2km
04:44
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
riders
35.1km
02:06
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
4
riders
27.6km
01:36
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
10.3km
00:37
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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161km
06:27
840m
840m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
168km
06:51
890m
890m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
83
riders
63.1km
02:55
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
56
riders
92.1km
03:42
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
16
runners
11.6km
01:12
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
9.14km
00:57
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
5.07km
00:31
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
runners
10.4km
01:04
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Explore the region
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in the Ross Lake region?
The Ross Lake region offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Gravel biking, and Jogging. The area features extensive trail networks and scenic routes for diverse experiences.
What are some popular hiking trails in Ross Lake?
Popular hiking trails include the Ross Dam Trail, Thunder Knob Trail, and the more strenuous Sourdough Mountain Lookout trail. The Desolation Peak Trail is a 9.4-mile (15.1 km) return trip with over 4,000 feet (1,219 m) of elevation gain. For more options, refer to Hiking around Ross Lake.
Are there easy hiking trails in Ross Lake?
Yes, Ross Lake offers easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. These include lakeside paths and strolls through old-growth forests. A guide for these trails is available at Easy hikes around Ross Lake.
What cycling opportunities are available in Ross Lake?
The Ross Lake region is suitable for Road cycling on the scenic Washington State Route 20, as well as Touring cycling and Gravel biking. Varied terrain, from paved highways to unpaved roads, supports these activities. Explore options with Road Cycling Routes around Ross Lake and Gravel biking around Ross Lake.
Are there family-friendly trails in Ross Lake?
The Ross Lake region offers family-friendly trails, including shorter strolls and paths through forests. These routes cater to different ages and abilities. Information on suitable options can be found in Family-friendly hikes around Ross Lake.
What are the notable natural features in Ross Lake?
The region features snow-dotted peaks, densely forested hills, and turquoise glacial lakes like Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake. These lakes get their color from "glacial flour." The area also includes rugged mountainous terrain, extensive glacial systems, and old-growth forests.
How popular is Ross Lake on komoot?
Ross Lake is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 800 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.02 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.
What komoot guides are available for Ross Lake?
Komoot offers several guides for Ross Lake, including those for Hiking around Ross Lake, Road Cycling Routes around Ross Lake, and Gravel biking around Ross Lake. Guides for family-friendly and easy hikes are also available.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Ross Lake?
The provided information does not specify regulations regarding dogs on trails within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Visitors should consult official park resources for current pet policies before visiting.
What are the accommodation options in Ross Lake?
Ross Lake Resort offers unique "floating" cabins directly on the lake. Additionally, numerous boat-in campsites equipped with amenities are available for visitors. Other lodging options may exist in nearby communities.
How can I contact the Ross Lake National Recreation Area?
The official website for Ross Lake National Recreation Area is typically found through the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/noca. The general phone number for the North Cascades National Park Service Complex is (360) 854-7200.
What is the significance of Desolation Peak in Ross Lake?
Desolation Peak is known for its historic fire lookout and its association with author Jack Kerouac, who spent a summer there. The trail to the lookout offers sweeping vistas of prominent peaks like Hozomeen Mountain and the Picket Range.
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