Forum Index > Trip Reports > Ross Lake, July 22-24 2011
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ejain
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Joined: 27 Apr 2009
Posts: 1497 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle, WA
ejain
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PostTue Jul 26, 2011 10:42 pm 
View larger size in new window Photos Friday, July 22 Made it to the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount just before it closed Friday evening at 8pm. Most camping areas on Ross Lake still appeared to have at least one site available. Considered Cat Island, but chose Dry Creek instead because we figured we could reach it on foot should the notorious winds on the lake get too strong to paddle against. Once the permit was secured we continued to the Colonial Creek campground and managed to get one of the last sites. The site (#133) was a walk in site, and felt surprisingly uncrowded and quiet. Saturday, July 23 Next morning we packed up and drove to Ross Dam Trail parking lot. The lot was almost full at 8am. Hauled our inflatable canoe and backpacks down the rough one mile trail to the dock, where crowds of people where transferring between the resort's shuttle truck and boat.
Parking Lot
Parking Lot
Ross Dam Trail
Ross Dam Trail
The morning clouds cleared and the water was calm (and remained calm). Paddled past the resort and the log barrier, and up the lake. The lake level appeared to be near its maximum normal level.
Cougar Island
Cougar Island
Big Beaver Valley & Pumpkin Mountain
Big Beaver Valley & Pumpkin Mountain
We weren't alone on the lake enjoying the beautiful scenery, but the lake wasn't exactly crowded, either. Did a short side trip up Devil's Canyon, great fun.
Devil's Canyon
Devil's Canyon
Float Plane & Desolation Peak
Float Plane & Desolation Peak
Dry Creek had 3 sites (2 occupied), plus a small group site (unoccupied).
Campsite
Campsite
Canoe
Canoe
Beach
Beach
Did another short side trip (on foot) to the Lightning Creek bridge. Couldn't find a proper trail that connects to the main trail that runs along the east shore, only a faint path that would be impossible to find from the trail.
East Shore Trail
East Shore Trail
Trail to Lightning Creek Bridge
Trail to Lightning Creek Bridge
Back at the campsite it was quiet at night, except for the frogs in the marsh behind the peninsula on which the camping area is located. Despite the marsh, there were no bugs.
Jack Mountain
Jack Mountain
Sunset on Colonial Peak
Sunset on Colonial Peak
Sunday, July 24 Paddled back the next morning, checking out a waterfall or two on the way.
Skymo Creek Waterfall
Skymo Creek Waterfall
Ruby Mountain
Ruby Mountain
Dock & Ross Lake Resort
Dock & Ross Lake Resort
Baggage
Baggage
This time there were few people at the dock, but the Ross Dam Trail was crowded. Did a small side trip to the dam before hauling the boat back up to the parking lot.

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seawallrunner
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 3305 | TRs | Pics
Location: Lotusland
seawallrunner
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PostTue Jul 26, 2011 11:49 pm 
lovely photos ! now that was nice weather too !! I was on Ross Lake as well that weekend, camped two nights at Lightning Cr horse camp with a group. We visited the four corners of Ross Lake, and saw swimming deer, baby eagles and three bears. A weekend well spent!

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ejain
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Joined: 27 Apr 2009
Posts: 1497 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle, WA
ejain
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PostWed Jul 27, 2011 12:03 am 
seawallrunner wrote:
lovely photos ! now that was nice weather too !! I was on Ross Lake as well that weekend, camped two nights at Lightning Cr horse camp with a group. We visited the four corners of Ross Lake, and saw swimming deer, baby eagles and three bears. A weekend well spent!
Which tent is yours? :-)

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seawallrunner
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 3305 | TRs | Pics
Location: Lotusland
seawallrunner
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PostWed Jul 27, 2011 12:05 am 
red one on the bottom left smile.gif

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mtngoat2674
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Joined: 13 Jul 2011
Posts: 67 | TRs | Pics
Location: Idaho
mtngoat2674
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PostWed Jul 27, 2011 12:33 am 
Sweet! Just bought 14 ft kayak this spring, and that is one place that's on my list!

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Forum Index > Trip Reports > Ross Lake, July 22-24 2011
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