Ross Lake and Desolation Peak
Seattle, WA
4.9 (12 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Stunning Views of Ross Lake
- Rejuvenating Mountain Solitude
- Breathtaking Waterfalls
- Ancient, Old Growth Forests
- Amazing North Cascades High Country
- Abundant Wildlife Habitat
- Towering Granite Peaks
Description
Towering peaks and old growth forests surround us on this 5- or 6-day hike that traverses the east shore of Ross Lake. The 5-day version stays along the lakeshore, which makes for a perfect early season (June and July) North Cascades adventure. The 6-day itinerary – available in August and September – includes a layover day to explore the high country and summit Desolation Peak.
We’ll start on Ruby Arm—the southeastern most inlet of Ross Lake—and hike 32 miles along the lakeshore, over tumbling creeks and on side drainages tucked between high granite spires, until emerging just a few miles from the Canadian border. The 6-day itinerary includes a layover day at Lightning Creek, which gives us the opportunity to summit Desolation Peak and visit the famous watch tower where Jack Kerouac wrote Dharma Bums. While we don’t summit Desolation Peak on the earlier season 5-day itinerary, we have great views of the snow-covered high peaks towering above us. After completing our traverse of the lake, we’ll take a water taxi all the way back to our starting point, and have a chance to see everything that we hiked from an entirely new perspective.
$1885 Per Person
$2130 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The 6-day version of this trip is Level 4 difficulty because of our ascent of Desolation Peak. The 5-day version is Level 3 difficulty. The trek is on mostly well maintained trails, with some rocky and and challenging route finding to the summit of Desolation Peak (6-day itinerary only). The ascent of Desolation Peak is a strenuous day (4,400 feet ascent in rocky and challenging terrain) but it is with just light day packs, which is why this trip receives a Level 4 difficulty rating.
Hiking Distances:

4-13 mi
Backpack Weight:

35-45 lbs
Terrain:

Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

4400 ft (6-day only)
Heights Exposure:

Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Hiking uphill, then downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 8-10 hours (6-day trip only)
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this North Cascades National Park hike a solitude 4. You can expect to see a couple other groups of hikers per day.
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.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
Leave a Reply