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Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the answers to our most frequently asked questions about Ross Lake, Ross Dam, and of course, Ross Lake Resort. Click a topic or become a Ross Lake expert by scrolling through all of our FAQs!
Resort Specific FAQs
How do you get to the resort?
Please visit our How to Get Here page for google maps links and step-by-step directions to Ross Lake and the resort.
Are pets allowed at the resort?
Pets are not allowed for guests staying at the Resort; however, leashed and controlled pets are welcome on our rental equipment and water taxi.
How do I book a cabin reservation?
There are two ways to acquire a cabin reservation with us, join our Cabin Accommodation Lottery List and/or check the Last Minute Availability Table. For more information visit our website's Stay at the Resort page.
What times are check-in and check-out for the cabins?
Check-in begins at 4:00pm and check-out is at 9:00am.
What hikes can I do from the resort?
The Big Beaver trail is accessible from the resort. Follow it northeast to Big Beaver Creek or southwest to Ross Dam. Through the resort's water taxi or rental boats, all the trails in the north unit of the North Cascades National Park are accessible, and only a guidebook could describe them all.
What peaks are seen beyond the dam from the resort, and how tall are they?
There is a spectacular group of peaks visible above Ross Dam from the resort's cabins. From left to right they are Colonial Peak at 7771 ft., Snowfield Peak at 8347 ft., Paul Bunyan's Stump at 7400 ft., Pyramid Peak at 7100 ft.
Who owns Ross Lake Resort?
The resort is privately owned and operates under a concession contract within North Cascades National Park. The current owner is Andy Walker.
Does anyone stay at Ross Lake Resort during the winter?
Yes, the resort's floating buildings require constant attention as the lake level fluctuates throughout the fall, winter, and spring. We typically keep a skeleton crew of three or four to shovel snow, adjust cables, build wooden boats and generally keep an eye on things.
Where does the water come from and where does the sewage go?
Our drinking water is supplied by a spring charged by water that percolates through Sourdough Mountain. Our sewage system relies on holding tanks on each float that all pump to a larger floating holding tank. From there it enters an underground holding tank onshore and finally ends up in a drain field on the hillside above.
Do you generate your own power?
No. We receive power from Ross Dam, for which we pay regular Seattle City Light rates.
Is there really no cell phone service, why isn’t there a payphone, and do you have Wi-Fi?
It’s true! There really is no cell phone service or a payphone. We only have 2 phone lines available to us through Seattle City Light, hence our 206 area code. Because we use both phone lines for business we try to limit outgoing calls from guests - you're here to get away from all that anyway, aren't you? Although cell phone coverage is not yet available satellite phones and spot devices work! While the cabins do not have Wi-Fi we offer complimentary Wi-Fi in the communal areas around our office. To ensure you can make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi, be sure to check with your service provider that your plan supports Wi-Fi calling and texting.
How do you get your supplies and fuel to the resort? Can I drive there?
The haul road connects Ross Lake and Diablo Lake and does not connect with the highway. Our trucks and all other heavy equipment come by barge up Diablo lake.
Area History FAQs
How old is the resort?
Ross Lake Resort was created from the remains of a floating camp used by crews of workers logging the valley as it was flooded in 1952.
When was the dam built?
Construction of Ross Dam Began in 1938. Its current construction was completed in 1949. As designed, Ross dam was supposed to be 125 ft. taller, but territorial and environmental issues indefinitely delayed the final phase.
How old are the logs under the docks?
Many of the float logs supporting our docks and buildings are old-growth red cedar used in the original floating camp built in the '30s that became our resort. Some of these are more than 3 ft. in diameter and hundreds of years old.
Ross Lake FAQs
What is the elevation of Ross Lake?
When full, the elevation of Ross Lake is 1602.5 ft. above sea level.
How long is Ross Lake?
When full, Ross Lake is 22.1 miles long.
How deep is Ross Lake?
When Ross Lake is full, it is 488.4 ft deep at the bottom of the Dam.
Does the lake freeze up?
Typically, no. Sometimes Ruby Arm and some shaded coves will develop a thin sheet of ice.
How far does the Lake level drop?
Seattle City Light makes a decision of how far to draw down the lake based upon available snowpack, power demand, and flood control requirements. Typically, the lake will be down between 75-125 feet from full at its lowest in the early spring.
How can I get my personal watercraft on the lake?
Please visit our Portage Service page to get detailed information on how to get your personal watercraft to Ross Lake.
How do you fish on Ross Lake?
Slow trolling from a motorboat is best. Many people have started using a fly rod with a full sinking line (5-6ips) or a medium action rod; 8-12lb leader varying the weight up to a 2oz sinker. Use streamer fly, needlefish, or another lure. Single barbless hooks only and no bait/scent allowed including eggs and power bait. Best fishing is in shallow water along the shoreline. Gently release any trout less than 16 inches long. The daily catch/keep limit is ONE rainbow trout. Some people have stuck with a more traditional way and troll with flashers (pop gear) and lures.
Always check the Washington State Fishing Regulations for Ross Lake Reservoir before you cast! Ross Lake has a native population of Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout. Bull Trout or Dolly Varden are protected and must be released. You may also see Brook Trout which are not native to the lake itself but have washed down through creeks and streams from higher elevation ponds. Fishing opens July 1st and runs until October 31st. Ross Lake is a selective gear fishery; only artificial lures with single barbless hooks are permitted. No bait or scent allowed and you must use a knotless net. Most people troll their lures from our rental boats. There is good catch-and-release fly fishing further up some of the lake's tributaries.
What animals might be seen in the area?
The most frequent animal you will see (and hear) are the little Douglas Squirrels native to these woods. Next most often seen are the somewhat hybridized Blacktail Deer. There are a host of little animals you will see on occasion: Chipmunks, Snowshoe Hares, Mice, Pikas, Marmots. Uncommonly, you will encounter a black bear. Most rarely you will glimpse a cougar or a bobcat.
What birds are commonly seen on the lake?
Many bird species make Ross Lake their seasonal home, and many more come for a visit. Most often you will see Loons, Canadian Geese, and Western Grebes. Osprey nest along the lake and take fish without regard to size or limit. You will see Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Water Ouzels, and an array of small waterfowl including Mergansers, Goldeyes, Coots among others. Seagulls come to ride around on driftwood. Kingfishers work the inlets.
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