Hiking the Extended Ross Dam Trail: A Scenic Adventure to Ross Dam, Ross Lake Resort and Green Point Campground

 

Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, the Ross Dam Trail is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking wilderness in Washington State. For hikers looking to stretch their legs and soak in a full day of alpine beauty, an extended journey along this trail to Green Point Campground—with a memorable stop at Ross Lake Resort—is a must-do adventure.

Getting Started: The Ross Dam Trailhead

The journey begins at the Ross Dam Trailhead, located just off Highway 20 in North Cascades National Park. It’s a short but steep descent—about 1.5 miles—to the base of Ross Dam. The well-maintained trail winds through dense forest, with occasional views of the Skagit River and glimpses of towering peaks in the distance. Even this early in the hike, the sheer beauty of the North Cascades is undeniable.

Crossing the Dam and Visiting Ross Lake Resort

Once at the base of the dam, you’ll cross Ross Dam itself—a concrete monolith that holds back the shimmering waters of Ross Lake. The crossing is dramatic, with panoramic views of the reservoir stretching north toward Canada and the craggy peaks that frame it.

Just beyond the dam is where the real magic begins. A spur trail leads you to the floating cabins of Ross Lake Resort—a hidden gem nestled right on the water. The resort is accessible only by foot or boat, giving it a wonderfully remote feel. Stop here to rest, grab a cold drink or a snack if the store is open (check ahead for seasonal hours), and take in the stillness of the lake. 

Hiking North Along Ross Lake

From the resort, continue north along the East Bank Trail, which hugs the shoreline of Ross Lake. The trail here is relatively flat, making for a pleasant walk with continuous lake views, shady forest stretches, and occasional creek crossings. Keep an eye out for wildlife—bald eagles, deer, grouse and even the occasional black bear are known to frequent the area.

This section of the trail is less trafficked, and you may find yourself walking in total solitude, save for the sound of the water lapping against the shore and the breeze rustling through the trees. It’s a peaceful, meditative stretch of trail.

Reaching Green Point Campground

After roughly 2 miles from the resort, you’ll arrive at Green Point Campground, one of the boat-accessible campsites along Ross Lake. The campsite is perched just above the water, with views to the north and west that light up dramatically during sunset. It’s a favorite spot for kayakers, canoeists, and hikers alike.

The campground features a few tent pads, a pit toilet, and a bear box for food storage. It’s simple but scenic—exactly what you want in a backcountry site. Bring your camp stove, settle in for dinner with a view, and enjoy the quiet, star-filled night. You will need to pick up your permit from the Marblemount ranger station the day of your camping start.

 You can keep on going through the lush forest the Ross Lake for a while longer, but this is where we turned around for a total of 8.4 miles.

Tips for the Trip

• Permits: A backcountry permit is required for camping at Green Point.

• Water: Bring a filter or purification system—there’s plenty of lake and stream water, but none is treated.

• Bear Safety: Practice bear-aware camping; use the provided food storage or hang your food if needed.

• Season: Best from late June through early October. Earlier in the season, snowmelt can make trails muddy and crossings tricky.

Final Thoughts

This extended hike from the Ross Dam Trailhead to Green Point Campground via Ross Lake Resort is the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Whether you’re in it for a peaceful lakeside escape,  a day hike or camping at Green point, this route delivers in every way.