Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Located in the northern part of Washington State, Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a natural haven that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. The recreational area encompasses over 117,000 acres and is managed by the National Park Service.

One of the prominent features of Ross Lake National Recreation Area is its namesake lake, Ross Lake, which stretches for 23 miles with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is formed by three dams on the Skagit River, providing both recreational opportunities and hydroelectric power.

The historical background of Ross Lake National Recreation Area can be traced back to the early 20th century when the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project was developed. Since its inception, the area has been primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, and recreational opportunities were later added. The National Park Service has been actively overseeing the preservation and management of this natural treasure since 1968.

Visitors to Ross Lake National Recreation Area can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. The area offers several well-maintained trails, such as the Ross Dam Trail and the Thunder Knob Trail, which provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Boating enthusiasts can rent a boat or bring their own to explore the vast expanse of Ross Lake.

Wildlife lovers will find Ross Lake National Recreation Area to be a haven for various species. The area is home to a diverse range of animals, including black bears, deer, bald eagles, and mountain goats, which can often be spotted during hiking excursions or from the water.

Adjacent to the recreation area lies North Cascades National Park, often referred to as the "American Alps." This proximity allows visitors to easily combine their visits to both areas, offering an even more extensive range of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. Nearby attractions include the pristine Lake Chelan, famous for its clear blue waters, and the charming town of Winthrop, with its Wild West ambiance and year-round recreational possibilities.

Overall, Ross Lake National Recreation Area in Washington provides a unique outdoor experience, combining stunning landscapes, recreational opportunities on Ross Lake, and access to other notable attractions nearby. Whether it's hiking, boating, camping, or simply taking in the beauty of the area, visitors are sure to create memorable experiences in this picturesque destination.

Ross Lake National Recreation Area is situated in the beautiful and picturesque state of Washington, in the northwestern region of the United States. Nestled within the Skagit and Whatcom counties, it is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the North Cascade Mountain Range. The recreation area encompasses a vast stretch of land that stretches across the border between the United States and Canada, making it a truly unique location. With its pristine lake and stunning mountainous backdrop, Ross Lake National Recreation Area offers visitors a tranquil and awe-inspiring escape from the bustling city life.

Address & Contact

810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Driving Directions
Phone: 3608547200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Ross Lake National Recreation Area would be in May, June, or September. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with average maximum temperatures ranging from 67°F to 79°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 46°F to 54°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months ranges from 1.2 in to 3.9 in, indicating relatively lower precipitation levels. These months also see a reasonable number of visitors, avoiding the peak visitor season in July and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Ross Lake National Recreation Area are: Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Paddling Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Citizen Science

Topics

Learn about these topics at Ross Lake National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Cats (wild) Fish Wilderness Wolves Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds

Visitor Centers

Wilderness Information Center

The Wilderness Information Center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnights in the park year-round and are available at an outdoor self-issue station when the center is closed during the winter season. Information desk. Sales area with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and adjacent national forests.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wilderness Information Center.

Campsites within or near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Colonial Creek North Campground

Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities for various abilities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 41
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available first-come, first-served in the winter (sites #64-74). Sites may be difficult to access in winter. Reservations required late May to September. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 96
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Goodell Creek Campground

Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River and fishing on the Skagit and its tributaries.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Summer Fees), 0.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Gorge Lake Campground

Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-served during the winter. Summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a boat launch on Gorge Lake, fishing, and hiking trails.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Gorge Lake Campground)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Harlequin Campground

Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles from the public airstrip. All sites are walk-in sites though some have limited parking. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Harlequin Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Harlequin Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hozomeen Campground

Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include boat launches, pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grates. Guests must pack-out all trash. Campsites located in the Upper Loop are closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Hozomeen Campground Fees)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lakeview Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Lakeview Campground is a five minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Lakeview Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Lakeview Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people (20 vehicles) per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service provided is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Newhalem Creek Campground

Newhalem Campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem, Washington, and the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has individual campsites as well as two group sites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are only a short walk away.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Newhalem Creek Campground Reservation Fee), 75.00 (Newhalem Creek Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 107
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Purple Point Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Purple Point Campground is a ten minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Purple Point Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Purple Point Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite

Upper Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. The group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 30 people (10 vehicles). Upper Goodell cannot accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Upper Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Lower Goodell Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has 5 tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people and 20 vehicles per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Group Campground Campsite Reservation Fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Mt. Baker Hotel

With a stay at Mt. Baker Hotel in Concrete, you'll be 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Lake Shannon and 14.2 mi (22.8 km) from Baker Lake. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 45951 Main St, Concrete, Washington 98237-96
Web: Link