Ross Lake National Recreation Area

todd schulz

2023-11

What a cool place to stop along the drive on Higheay 20. The majestic views are amazing. The road is good and views are plenty. Lots of places to pull out for your viewing and photographic pleasures. The leaves are a changing and the colors are beautiful. We plan to visit again. You'll like it I guarantee it.

Hank V

2023-11

Gorgeous place amazing breathtaking views extremely recommended. The fresh air and the mountains I’m in love with this place .

Michelle Clyde, Realtor

2022-05

Diablo lake trail was nothing less than perfect! The trail itself is about 80% shaded, not too rocky and incline was just enough to get the heart rate up. Most believe that the trail ends at the look out point… no way! Make sure you look to your right when at the end of the trail and go down to the bridge. If you really want an experience, venture out and go straight on the trail when down before the bridge…. Follow the sound of the water fall. The trail to the water fall is tight and all rock, waterfall terrain so be safe. Be careful when jumping these rocks to get down to the beach. You can see the beach from the bridge to the the left side of the damn. It’s beautifully peaceful and powerful. Our dog loved fetching sticks and swimming. I enjoyed cooling off myself. Not sure if you can swim here or let dogs in water but there were no signs that said otherwise.

Jackson Carpenter

2023-07

The most accessible area of the North Cascades National Park Complex. Beautiful jagged mountains and charming lakes.Diablo Lake is definitely the highlight imo.

Bret Warren

2023-06

Had a blast here with my family, which included young children. Something to be aware of is the fact that it will always be winding around the lake. I'm not sure why. It just seems to be the case. If you go a quarter of a mile in any direction from the coast, the wind dies down. Just expect to encounter winds so heavy that it'll be difficult to hold your phone (or camera) steady. The children really enjoyed looking out at the water and we all had a blast taking in the sights. I would highly recommend visiting if you're already at North Cascades National Park.Restrooms: There are enclosed men's and women's bathrooms. The water from the faucet will be quite hot by default. Turn the lever as far to the right as you can to get it to cool down.Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome, although there are not facilities that are especially geared towards dogs.Picnic area: There are benches and tables that you could use to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cmbonsai

2022-05

Beautiful regardless of the weather. Bathrooms are clean, ample parking. Informative and interesting markers about the lake. Nice little stop for stretching your legs on long road trips

Katie Foote

2018-05

Diablo lake hike was perfect for springtime when other trails were closed. It was a bit too cloudy to see the peaks but the path was well maintained and the dams are impressive engineering feats! Definitely enjoyed our time in the park!

Dustin Griffin

2018-05

Absolutely love this area. I cannot wait to go back for so many reasons. Between the hikes and the lakes and the campgrounds, this area is a true Alpine paradise. You can find reservations and more information at the recreation.gov address. I almost don't want to let others know about this gem of the northwest. Sad to see some occasional littering. Wish people packed it in and packed it out like they ought to. Water is cold because it's fed by glaciers. No motorized boats are allowed on Diablo Lake, but kayaks are.

K. Aragão

2020-05

This is so beautiful I can wait to go there next year. I was there for the first time with my kids and my friend that I came visit I love love this place can get enough of it the river the trees the mountain is so beautiful!!

Chris Koslin

2023-06

Beautiful area. It is sad it is one of the least visited national parks. However, I do enjoy that it is not as busy.

A C

2020-05

This is a beautiful area with the camping grounds along the torquoise blue lake, the numerous hiking trails,the dam overlook. The road through the national Park area itself is a delight to drive by.

Jeshua Case Gonzalez

2023-10

Well worth the 3 hr drive! There are aome lovely curves and breathtaking views along the way. I also saw a lot of people fishing the river. The lake itself is gorgeous. I love how you can walk out on top of the dam.Restrooms: Hole in the ground

Scott W

2018-05

We got lucky with great weather. Gorgeous views but that water was cold. I got about ankle deep and decided a beer sounded like more fun.

Shelly Kirby

2018-05

Awesome place. Make sure you go to ladder falls at night. It's all lit up. Diablo lake is beautiful. We stayed at gorge campsite. It's right on the river, and it's free.

Jonathan Davis

2024-03

A true PNW forrest.

Nobody Special

2018-05

Loved the area. Too bad it only has a few short HC Accessible Trails. We were told about one by a Volunteer at the Ranger Station and she was correct, well worth the trip.

Kareem Hadee

2018-05

Great park for motorcyclists as well as cars! If you are heading east stop in Winthrop and surrounding towns for gifts and food. There are no services the pass that I can recall.

Darci Bailey

2018-05

Beautiful lake! The hike was a bit disappointing since the best veiws were from the drive to the parking lot, but it was worth a trip.

Micah Dilts

2023-05

One of the best drives you can take. Campgrounds are never full and hiking options are endless

Zohaib Khan

2023-09

Come see this place and learn. You won't be disappointed.

Eric Owens

2023-05

Unbelievably beautiful! Every ranger and staff we encountered was top notch. We'll be back!

S

2023-05

Did not see the blue/green lake due to heavy smokes!

Jeff Biddy

2021-05

You gotta visit this place! Awe inspiring mountains and lakes. Great hiking and camping opportunities.

Kay Em

2020-05

Great view point on the cascade loop drive, lake water is very clear and looks green from the top view point.

Mark Stevens

2018-05

A wonderful place to explore and soak in the mountains of the northern Cascades in Washington! I found it in excellent place for both landscape photography as well as amazing hikes in the woods and mountains. Given I was there in mid June, I can't be sure of what it's like during the height of the summer months, but it is well worth the visit! Other than camping, there is no lodging within the national park or nearby recreation areas, other than a few spots Ross Lake resort. Otherwise you'll have to find lodging outside the national park and rec area in nearby towns.

Anirudha Krishna

2019-05

Diablo lake is a brilliant emerald color. The dam and surrounding mountains make for one if the most scenic spots anywhere!

Santhosh

2020-05

Visited here by a random Google suggestion. Never felt bad for the long drive. Fantastic views on the route.

Keith Johnson

2023-06

Hike each year before highway 20 opens. A dream of times past.

Joshua Wagner

2017-05

This place is total beauty. Highly recommend it. Only boat launch is on Canadian side of the lake.

Amber B (Kiwi)

2020-05

Beautiful hiking trails and on a clear day it’s simply stunning.