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Ross Dam Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
48.7278, -121.0628 Map & Directions
Length
1.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
500 feet
Highest Point
2,100 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
Check out the view over Ross Lake and Ross Dam on the Ross Dam Trail. Photo by C P. Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

This forested trail in the North Cascades National Park Complex leads down to Ross Lake and the network of trails in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Look out over both Ross Lake and Ross Dam before making your way down to Ross Dam itself Continue reading

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Hiking Ross Dam Trail

This forested trail in the North Cascades National Park Complex leads down to Ross Lake and the network of trails in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Look out over both Ross Lake and Ross Dam before making your way down to Ross Dam itself. The dam is part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project which supplies approximately 20% of the power requirements for Seattle City Light.

The Ross Dam Trail is often used to access Big Beaver Trail. While leashed dogs are permitted within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, non-service animals are NOT allowed in the national park complex except on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Hike Description Written by
Claudia Lopez, WTA Community

Ross Dam Trail

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.7278, -121.0628 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Newhalem, go east on State Route 20 for 14.0 miles to the trailhead parking on the right (between milepost 134 and 135). The trailhead has parking for 4 cars plus two ADA parking spots. The trailhead is only 0.5 mile beyond the western winter closure gate for State Route 20, making this a viable trip even in winter.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Ross Dam Trail (#0)

North Cascades National Park

Guidebooks & Maps

Ross Lake National Recreation Area PDF Map: https://bit.ly/2HqyEQ8

Buy the Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48 map

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Ross Dam Trail

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