JULY 15 ROSS LAKE, WEST SHORE

Moderate

7:30-3:00

Summer hikes are subject to change depending on conditions. To be informed of changes, please join our email list.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE Meet at 7:30 am on the east side of the Sedro-Woolley Food Pavilion parking lot to sign in and arrange carpools.  

DRIVING DIRECTIONS The drive to the trailhead along Highway 20 takes about 1 hr 30 mins. The parking lot is on the left at milepost 134. 

HIKE DESCRIPTION Hike down to Ross Dam and beyond along the west shore of Ross Lake. From the parking lot, walk down the steep trail to the gravel road. Take a left on the gravel road. At the first side road, go right. This will lead you down to the Ross Lake Dam. There is a short cut trail between the two roads, but it is very steep. Best stick to the road. If you set your mileage markers when you leave the parking lot, after 4 miles you will have reached a high point in the trail and you might like to make this your turnaround point for an 8-mile hike with 1,181 ft of elevation gain. You may hike farther if you wish—but remember that steep climb back up to the parking lot!

RETURN TIMES Three return times: 4:30 pm for those who wish to hike to Pierce Creek or Big Beaver; 3:00 pm for those who turn around before but go beyond the eastern trailhead to Sourdough Mountain; 1 pm for those going as far as the eastern trailhead to Sourdough Mountain or less. Carpooling will depend upon what return time you select. Everyone returning at stated times is to wait for all scheduled for that time to return safely before leaving.  

No parking pass required. No dogs. Outhouse at the trailhead. For weather and trail conditions, check out Big Beaver Trail — Washington Trails Association