Getting Here
Please review the information below detailing two ways to reach Ross Lake. For step-by-step directions and google maps links visit our How to Get Here page.
Where the road ends, your adventure begins!
***There is NO direct road access to Ross Lake Resort***
Hike and take a Shuttle/"Cat Ride" 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.
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Park your car on HWY 20 at the Ross Dam trailhead (near milepost 134)
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Hike 1 mile down the trail
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At the end of the trail turn right onto the gravel road
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Call us from the phone on the last power pole by the side of the road (dialing instructions located inside the box)
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Follow the road down to the lake (you will see the Resort across the lake)
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Take a quick shuttle ride across the lake to the resort for those with reserved services
This on-demand service operates daily from 8:00am - 7:00pm or dusk, whichever is earlier
Shuttle cost is $5 per person each way (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.
Important Notes:
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For detailed information check out our Hike the Ross Dam Trail step-by-step directions and Google Maps link
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There is no restaurant or store on-site
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Leave your vehicle(s) empty at trailheads to reduce risk of break-ins
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All day-use visitors must park at the trailhead and hike in
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We encourage those who can hike in do so
Diablo Ferry and Truck In
Please note: A confirmed equipment rental, water taxi, or cabin reservation with us, Ross Lake Resort, is required to make ferry reservations. If you are renting equipment or hiking for the day, you will take the 1 mile Ross Dam trail, rather than the Diablo Ferry, to maximize your time on Ross Lake and minimize your trip expenses.
Seattle City Light's Diablo Ferry runs twice daily at 10:30am and 2:00pm (times subject to change). To make reservations for the ferry submit the Arrival and Departure Form using the link in your Ross Lake Resort reservation confirmation email (reservations are mandatory). Due to occupancy limits and gear restrictions, we strongly encourage guests who are able to hike in to consider taking the 1 mile Ross Dam trail option. For detailed information check out our Ride the Diablo Ferry step-by-step directions and Google Maps link.
Diablo Ferry Fees*
Payable in cash or card directly to Seattle City Light when you board the ferry
(fares are each way and subject to change)
$10 for adults
Children 6-12 @ $5 for children ages 6-12
* If you ride the Diablo Ferry, you will also use our Passenger Truck Service; the cost is $30/person for the roundtrip (added to your reservation bill with us)
Portage
If you would like to bring your personal canoe or kayak to Ross Lake, we offer truck portage between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. For more information visit our Portage Service page and review the step-by-step portage directions.
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. Visit our Portage Service page for more information.
The Hozomeen boat launch was closed in 2020. Check with the Canadian Border Patrol for accessibility updates.