East Bank Ross Lake — Friday, May. 4, 2007

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Hiked in at the Ruby Creek Trailhead on Rt. 20 and proceeded to the East Bank Trail. Several Small blowdowns in the first 2.5 miles to the start of the East Bank Trail. People and dogs will find them all passable but one is ""iffy"" for horses. From the start of the East Bank Trail to Roland Creek there are many major blowdowns. These are passable for man and large dogs (with difficulty) but would be impossible for horses and small dogs. Streams are all passable to Roland Creek. Roland creek is passable for humans, but with no bridge it would be extremely difficult for our 4 legged friends; especially if they are carrying a pack as well. Saw lots of bear scat but no bears. Encountered many deer and one actually walked to within 10' of us even with the dog ""Winston"" in hand (Winston is an 83 lb. boxer, who to our amazement; sat quietly while the deer approached). Also saw grouse and several other birds along the way. We cleared as many blowdowns as we could given time constraints and only carrying a bow saw for such purposes. If everyone would carry a 24"" bow saw in the spring and just clear a couple of blowdowns as they hiked along; we could all do a small part in keeping our trails more enjoyable. Trail was dry all the way to Roland Creek.