East Bank Ross Lake — Saturday, May. 10, 2003

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

The long drive out Hwy 20 to the North Cascades was well rewarded. It has been almost 10 years since I last visited the East Bank Trail along Ross Lake. I hope that it does not take another 10 years to return there. The high point on the trail is only 2500 feet so the snow has disappeared. There is a large trailhead parking lot just before crossing Panther Creek. The trail starts down to Ruby Creek, which was roaring and then rolls up and down for as far as you can go in a day and then some. The trail is mostly through cool forest but at each opening in the trees there was some magnificent view to Ruby, Sourdough, Colonial and so on. There was also a surprising number of different wildflower species at each sunny spot. After 2.7 miles there is a 4-way junction and the six of us headed northward toward Rainbow Camp. The trail has been cleared of blowdowns for about 2 miles but then from that point to Roland Creek there are still plenty of “crawl unders” and “step overs” and brush encroaching over the trail. Roland Creek required only balance or speed to stay dry. At Roland Creek camp there is a way trail that goes down to the lake for great views and a warm, sunny lunch spot. Then back to Marblemount for burgers and shakes at “Good Food”. No snow. No bugs.