Getting Here
There is NO direct road access to Ross Lake Resort! There are two different ways to reach Ross Lake. Please read the transportation definitions below ...
Hike In and Get a Shuttle/AKA Cat Ride over to the Resort
This is the best option for people visiting for the day as well as campers and guests of the resort who do not want to use the Diablo Ferry.
1. Park your car on HWY 20 at milepost 134 (the Ross Lake/Dam trailhead) and hike 1 mile down the trail.
2. At the end of the trail turn right onto the gravel road.
3. Follow the road down to the lake (you will see the Resort across the lake), and call us from the phone on the last power pole by the side of the road (dialing instructions located inside the box).
4. Take a quick shuttle ride across the lake to the resort for those with reserved services.
This is an on-demand service that operates from 8 AM - 8 PM seven days per week (Daylight hours in the fall) and is $4 per person each way. There is no reservation needed.
​
You can also hike all the way to the resort by turning left at the bottom of the hiking trail. Instead of hiking down to the water, you can hike across the dam and around to the resort. This will add approximately 2.5 miles to your hike. For printable hiking instructions and a map click here.
​
​Important Notes:
-
There is no restaurant or store on-site
-
Leave your vehicle(s) empty at trailheads to reduce the risk of break-ins.
-
All day-use visitors must park at the trailhead and hike in.
-
We encourage those who can hike in do so.
Diablo Ferry and Truck In
1. The Diablo/Seattle City Light Ferry service runs twice daily at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM (Times subject to change)
2. Reservations will be REQUIRED to board the ferry. Please contact us here and we will make a reservation for you. There will be occupancy and gear restrictions in place so we encourage those able to hike in do so
3. If you are renting equipment for the day, it is recommended you hike in to fully maximize your day on the lake and minimize your costs
4. An email will be sent to all reservation holders with acceptable gear volumes, departure times, and capacity availability. Please keep an eye on your inbox and reach out to us to make your ferry reservations
​
Diablo Ferry Fees (fares are each way):
* Adults @ $10
* Children 6-12 @ $5
* Additional baggage @ $10 (subject to room on board)
* Payable in cash only directly to Seattle City Light when you board the ferry
​
​
Ross Lake Water Taxi Service
1. Our water taxi service offers transport on Ross Lake only.
2. This option is for campers and hikers who wish to be dropped off/picked up at a destination on Ross Lake.
3. To make a reservation and see pricing info, please click here.
​
Portage
Want to bring your personal canoe or kayak to Ross Lake? We offer truck portage between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. Click here for more detailed information. For a printable portage map with instructions, click here.
Getting Here Through Canada
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 the Hozomeen boat launch in Canada.
​
Here's how: The only vehicle access to Hozomeen is via the Silver-Skagit Road, a 39-mile (62.4 km) gravel road leaving Highway 1 just three kilometers west of Hope, British Columbia (exit 168). The Silver Skagit road is graded at times, but washboards and potholes are common. Carry a spare tire as flats occur due to sharp rocks. There is no gas or services available at Hozomeen.
​
Hozomeen has two graded cement ramps, which are generally accessible from mid-June through September. There is no boat launch on the south end of Ross Lake; to reach Hozomeen from the south, canoes, kayaks, and small crafts can be launched at Colonial Creek Campground, boated five miles on Diablo Lake, then portaged around Ross Dam to Ross Lake. See our portage page for more detailed information.
​
* The Hozomeen boat launch has been closed since 2020, check with the Canadian Border Patrol for accessibility updates.