East Bank Ross Lake — Saturday, May. 2, 2015

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Well its been 30 days since I went on a hike. I've have been very sick and I am still recovering but decided to head out to hike part of the East Bank Trail of Ross Lake. I originally was going to backpack to May Creek or Rainbow Point campgrounds but felt I was not up to it as of yet. After thought is I wish I would have. The trail begins just a little east of where you get your first views of Ross Lake along Highway 20 in The North Cascades. You can not miss the big sign on the side of the road. Park on North side and trail begins there. This trail is in very good shape with minimal obstacles to step over, under or around. As you head down the hill from the parking lot your will get your first view of Ruby Creek and a nice wooden bridge built to cross over. This bridge is capable of allowing horse to cross since equestrians can ride out to Hidden Hands Campground with their horses. This camp ground has a nice view of Ross Lake at the east end along Ruby Creek Arm of the lake. Actually it has the only view until you get out past Roland Campground at about 7 miles. Rainbow Point is where I recommend someone hike to for an overnight camp with views of lake and a dock to sit on and fish from. This trail is relatively smooth with minimal ups and downs out to Rainbow Point Camp with a gain of only 700 feet but as I stated earlier this hike is mostly in the forest with no views of Ross Lake unless you take the detour down to Hidden Hands Campground at the dead end. This was a test hike for me to find Jack Mountain Trail and to get and idea where I would like to hike for a weekend overnighter. There are minimal bugs out now and none were annoying. My personnel opinion is that this would be a great kayaking trip up the lake and camp out along the many campsites dedicated to kayakers and stop at the trail to hike up Desolation Peak to see the fire lookout. This is in my plans for the future. Checkout the videos of this hike or over 300 other hikes I have done mostly in Washington State on my youtube channel at "lmm3181" or click on the direct link below for this hike. As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking Take Care, Mike