Water Taxi and Portage Services
Portage Service
Want to bring your personal canoe or kayak to Ross Lake? We offer truck portage between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake June 6th through October 31st in our 2024 season. Vessels launch on Diablo Lake at Colonial Creek Campground and paddle five miles to the end of Diablo Lake where there is an NPS dock. There are phones located at the Diablo and Ross Lake portage docks with instructions on how to call the resort to request service.
No reservations are required for portage service. We portage on a first-come-first-serve basis. As of 2024, there will be an on-board payment option with your truck driver. During the busy summer months, backups can occur during busy days and we appreciate your patience during these busy times. Our portage service operates seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Truck priority is given to our ferry guests, which runs twice daily.
Portage cost can be paid by cash or card at time of service.
Diablo Ferry Schedule
Arrives at Diablo Portage Dock at 11 AM and 2:30 PM
Do you want to bring your personal watercraft larger than a canoe or kayak to Ross Lake? To do so you must go through Hozomeen Canada. Click here for more info.
For a map and printable portage instructions click here.
Portage Fares (Prices are one-way)
1 canoe/kayak
$50
2 or more vessels
$45 each
Water Taxi
Water Taxis are for hikers or campers to/from trailheads on Ross Lake. The fares below are per boat trip (not per person). We can pick up or drop off a maximum of 6 passengers per trip anywhere on the lake. When meeting a water taxi bound for a trailhead, hike down from the Ross Lake Trail Head located off Highway 20. Advance reservations and prepayment are required for the water taxis from trailheads on the lake to the gravel road (have a car waiting for you at milepost 134 on Highway 20). Reservations are custom-built based on visitor itinerary and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When possible, we will offer a rideshare with passenger approval. On shared trips, a 25% discount is given to each reservation at the time of service. As of 2024, there will be an on-board payment option with your captain.
Backcountry camping permits are required, more information can be found on the NPS website - https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm or by emailing the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount - noca_wilderness@nps.gov. We are available to provide water taxis seven days a week 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., reservations are required.
Note: Water taxi service back-and-forth across the lake from the haul road to the Resort does not require a reservation and is provided as an on-demand service.
*Balance due for your Water Taxi reservation will be collected by your boat captain via cash or card at the time of serive
* Dog Policy: Although dogs are not permitted for overnight stays at the resort, they are permitted on our rental equipment and Water Taxi.
Water Taxi Fares (Prices and times are one-way)
Green Point - $30 (~5 min)
Hidden Hand/Ruby - $60 (~5 min)
Cougar Island - $60 (~7 min)
Roland Point - $65 (~7 min)
McMillan - $95 (~10 min)
Spencer's - $95 (~10 min)
May Creek - $95 (~10 min)
Big Beaver - $95 (~10 min)
Rainbow Point - $100 (~15 min)
Devil's Junction - $145 (~17min)
10 Mile Island - $150 (~20 min)
Dry Creek - $170 (~22min)
Ponderosa - $170 (~22 min)
Lodgepole - $170 (~22 min)
Lightning Creek - $170 (~22 min)
Cat Island - $175 (~25 min)
Desolation - $180 (~30 min)
Little Beaver - $195 (~35 min)
Boundary Bay - $195 (~35 min)
Silver Creek - $250 (~45 min)
Hozomeen - $250 (~45 min)
Additional Stops - $30 (adds 5-10 min)
Click here for a map of the lake
Be Prepared
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. 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
Do not forget, there is no cell phone coverage on Ross Lake.
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Advise that you arrive before 11 AM for best lake conditions
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Paddle equipment is due back to the Resort by 6 PM
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Two-hour minimum rental on Mon - Thurs (full day rentals only on Fri, Sat, and Sun)
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No day rentals after 4 PM
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Important notes about wind:
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We frequently deal with high winds on the lake. When sustained winds pose a safety issue, we will stop renting canoes/kayaks/SUPs for day-use. If winds are unsafe for day users we will make all attempts to contact you before your arrival
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Note that 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. It is wise to check the weather conditions before you leave. Click here to get the current weather conditions on Ross Lake.
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Cancellation Policy:
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If you cancel you forfeit the $25.00 booking fee per trip.
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If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation you can be liable for the full cost of each booked trip destination.
Getting Here
Please visit our Getting Here page for instructions on how to get to Ross Lake and the Resort.