East Bank Trail Ross Lake

Ross Lake Area

Miles: 32 roundtrip

Elevation: 800 feet gained

This trail can be day hiked for as far as one desires because it is very flat. Mostly used for backpacking, this trail offers many options. At about 13 miles from the trailhead is a short side trail to the popular Hozomeen Lake. Continue to the end of the trail to find Lightning Creek Trail for further exploration and access to Desolation Peak. Another, bigger adventure takes you all the way to the Psayten Wilderness in the Northeast section of our state.

To say the least: This is a very popular trail rivaled only by the Pacific Crest Trail at Rainy Pass in this section for major backpacking.

Get there: From I-5 take Highway 20 east past Marblemount, find the trailhead just beyond mile marker 138. The trailhead is on the left. It is a large lot with toilets.