Ross Lake Traverse in the North Cascades
Guided Backpacking Trips
5 Days, 4 Nights 32MI / 51KM
Trip Highlights
Towering peaks and old-growth forests surround us on this 5-day backpacking adventure that traverses the east shore of one of North Cascades National Park’s most picturesque bodies of water: Ross Lake. This trip stays along the lake-shore, making it an ideal early-season (June and July) North Cascades adventure. We’ll start at Ruby Arm—the south easternmost inlet of Ross Lake—and hike 32 miles along the lake-shore, crossing tumbling creeks and exploring side drainage tucked between high granite spires. As we trek, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the snow-covered peaks towering above us, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our journey.
After completing our traverse of the lake, we’ll take a water taxi back to our starting point, allowing us to see everything we hiked from an entirely new perspective!
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Stunning Views of Ross Lake
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Rejuvenating Mountain Solitude
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Breathtaking Waterfalls
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Ancient, Old Growth Forests
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Amazing North Cascades High Country
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Abundant Wildlife Habitat
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Towering Granite Peaks
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-8.5 mi -
Group Size
1-5 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trek is on mostly well maintained trails with moderate elevation gains and losses. Expect mostly moderate hiking on dirt and rock trails, with some creek crossings and a 35-45 pound backpack.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
This multi-day hiking trip in North Cascades National Park begins with a pickup at your hotel in Seattle, followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the North Cascades. Upon arriving at the trailhead, we’ll organize our packs and gear before setting off along Ruby Arm.
As we hike, we’ll be surrounded by small inlets, glacier-fed streams, and moss-covered old-growth trees. After a few miles, we’ll turn away from Ross Lake and make a moderate climb to cross Hidden Hand Pass. Once we reach our camp for the night at May Creek, your guide will prepare the first of many delicious backcountry dinners, setting the stage for a memorable adventure ahead!
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimal
Day two takes us along the edge of Ross Lake for several miles, where we’ll enjoy dramatic views of the deep blue water and the towering peaks across the lake as we traverse north to Lightning Creek. The elevation change is minimal since we’ll be hugging the lakeshore all day, but the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Keep an eye out for fish jumping and eagles soaring overhead, adding to the beauty of our surroundings as we immerse ourselves in this serene landscape.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Elevation Loss: 400 feet
Leaving the sometimes busy Lightning Creek behind, we’ll switchback steeply up to gain some final views of this section of Ross Lake before descending into the beautiful Lightning Creek valley. As we make our way up Lightning Creek, we’ll arrive at our campsite nestled beneath towering cedar trees.
This night will feel quite different from the wide-open panoramas of Ross Lake; we’ll be tucked away under these magnificent giants, allowing us to appreciate the rugged and wild forests of the North Cascades. The sounds of the forest will surround us, creating a peaceful backdrop for our evening in this serene setting.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet
On Day 4, we’ll continue our journey up Lightning Creek, weaving through more old-growth forest before climbing over a small pass. Our day culminates with a hike along a spur trail to Hozemeen Lake—a stunning blue-green lake framed by the impressive granite tower of Hozomeen Mountain.
As we settle in for our last night, we’ll keep an eye out for black bears, deer, elk, and possibly even wolves—and since we’re close to the Canadian border, there’s a chance we might spot grizzly bears too! We’ll savor one final delicious dinner, take in the beautiful reflections on the lake, and then enjoy a restful night under the stars, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure in the North Cascades.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Loss: 500 feet
Our last morning will be bittersweet as we leave the solitude of Hozomeen Lake behind. We’ll wind our way through the forest, gradually descending back towards Ross Lake. As we approach the shore, new panoramas will unfold, revealing breathtaking views west and south across the lake.
Being just a few miles from the border, we’ll find ourselves in a remote area accessible only by foot or by a long, circuitous drive through Canada. It may feel strange to encounter other people after the solitude of Hozomeen Lake, but we won’t linger long. Soon, we’ll be picked up by a water taxi that will take us back to the south end of the lake.
After saying farewell to the beauty of Ross Lake, we’ll return to our vehicle for the drive back to Seattle, where soft beds and warm showers await you in your hotel—an inviting end to an unforgettable adventure!
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Bear cannisters for food storage
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Seattle and back
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All entrance fees, permits and passes
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
Tent Camping
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
In the Action
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact approximately 10 days before your trip start date.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Seattle, WA.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Seattle
Seattle is one of the United States’ most convenient cities to travel to. SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma) Airport is one of the most easily accessed destinations in the country. Many major cities in the United States and internationally offer direct flights into Seattle. Please stay at one of our recommended hotels (coming soon!), all of which have airport shuttles so you do not have to rent a vehicle.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Mary Beth H
1 year agoFirst Rate Organization
The Ross Lake trip in late August was beautiful and our guide, Landon Samaya, was fantastic. I recommend the trip highly!
Elizabeth C
1 year ago10/10 Experience
One of the most stunning hikes of my life. The Ross Lake Traverse really shows you the wonders of the Cascades. We saw so much wildlife and I loved that we could swim or dip every day and camp along lakes. Our guide, Jeremy, was top notch: friendly, knowledgeable, and he kept everything running smoothly. 10/10, cannot recommend highly enough!
Christina C
1 year agoMagical Place
This was my first backpacking trip and it did not disappoint. The North Cascades is a magical place, from the glaciers to the wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a pine martin, a bald eagle, loones and a mama bear and her two cubs. Our guide Jeremy was knowledgeable and super down to earth. Cooked us some amazing meals, I thoroughly enjoyed the Dove chocolate quotes after dinner. Overall, this trip was more than I could've asked for and I can't wait to book my next trip!
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