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7 Photos That Will Inspire You to Kayak This Beautiful Lake in the North Cascade Mountains

Get out on the water and see things from a different perspective

By: Michael Fricke + Save to a List

Ross Lake National Recreation Area, part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex is beautiful. The lake is 23 miles long and has many backcountry campsites and islands to land on (one must have a backcountry permit to camp obtained at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount). Surrounded by the snowcapped mountains of the Cascades, the views are spectacular. However, getting a vessel out there can be challenging. To access Ross Lake from highway 20 one must hike down with their vessel 1.5 miles or they can launch in Diablo Lake at Colonial Creek and portage to Ross Lake. The only boat launch open to the public on Ross Lake is in Hozomeen which is on the north part of the lake only accessed through Canada. The Ross Lake Resort has rentals but they are very limited, one needs to call ahead to make sure there is space. It can be a challenge to finally get there but once out on the lake you will be rewarded with beautiful views and a huge lake with lots of room to paddle.  

Here are 7 photos that will hopefully inspire you to get out there!







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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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