Plan Your Day Visit to Ross Lake
There are a number of ways to enjoy Ross Lake whether you are visiting for day or staying overnight.
Some of our favorite activities include boating, paddling, fishing, and hiking!
Explore the options below to start planning your visit:
Rent Equipment
Ross Lake Resort offers a number of equipment rentals you can enjoy for the day including motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Visit our Equipment Rentals page for pricing, additional details, and to submit an equipment rental request.
Hike in North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park Service Complex preserves some of the finest mountain country in North America. From accessible trails to scenic and steep mountain treks, there is hike here for everyone. We offer a water taxi service to trailheads on Ross Lake. Visit our Water Taxi & Portage Services page for pricing, additional details, and to submit a Water Taxi Request to make a reservation.
Visit the park's website to explore trails and Plan Your Trip.
Fish on Ross Lake
Fishing is open from July 1st through October 31st.
One of the most popular activities is fishing for our native Rainbow trout or
the occasional Cutthroat and Eastern Brook trout. Trolling with artificial lures or
flies is the recommended method of fishing.
We offer fishing rods for rent and tackle for sale.
Our on-site staff can provide information on fishing conditions and techniques.
Always check the Washington State Fishing Regulations for Ross Lake before you cast!
Regulations stipulate:
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Use a single, barbless hook and no bait, artificial lures and flies ONLY
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Bull trout/Dolly Varden must be released
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Several of the major tributaries to the lake are closed to fishing and are marked
Our friendly colleagues in the National Park Service and from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife patrol the lake so we kindly ask that you know and obey the regulations.
Portage Your Personal Watercraft
No reservations are required for portage service. We portage on a first-come-first-serve basis. During high-visitation summer months, backups can occur during busy days and we appreciate your patience. Our portage service operates seven days a week from 8:00am - 4:00pm but the best portage times are from 8:00am - 9:30am, and 3:00pm - 4:30pm. Do you want to bring your personal watercraft that is larger than a canoe or kayak to Ross Lake? To do so you must go through Hozomeen Canada. Click here for more info.
Know Before You Go
Equipment can be picked up as early as 8:00am and is due back to the Resort by 5:30pm
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Advise that you arrive before 11:00am for best lake conditions
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No day rental check-ins after 3:00pm
Please remember these key safety reminders:
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There is no restaurant or store on-site
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Know your skill level
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Be prepared for the elements
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Do not overload your vessel
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Paddle early in the day to minimize wind exposure
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Wear your life jacket (all rental equipment includes personal flotation devices, PFDs)
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There is no cell phone coverage on Ross Lake.
Important notes about wind:
Ross Lake is a BIG lake with LOTS of wind. The weather can change quickly and without warning. Each week we have to assist/rescue multiple canoes/kayaks who get into distress on the lake.
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We frequently deal with high winds on the lake
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If winds are unsafe for day users we will make all attempts to contact you before your arrival
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When sustained winds pose a safety issue, we will stop renting canoes/kayaks/SUPs for day-use
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The predominant wind direction is from the south, which means your return paddle to the Resort will generally be longer and more difficult than your paddle up the lake
Always check conditions when planning your trip and before you head out:
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NOAA Weather Forecast for Ross Lake
Getting Here
Please visit our Getting Here page for instructions on how to get to Ross Lake and the Resort.
View and print a map of Ross Lake