Ross Lake Resort

Edward Caban

2023-06

Terrible communication for a place that provides the only way to shuttle kayaks into the lake for campers without entering another country. It doesn’t say anywhere on their portage site about SEASONAL CLOSURES and they are not associated with the National Forest. Meaning the rangers do not know when the shuttle is operating and when it is not. They will give you a permit to boat-in camp on the lake with no access to it.We got a permit to camp on Ross Lake over night this weekend. We stayed on Diablo the first night with plans to kayak up the lake and take the shuttle to our final camp destination the next day. We got to the phone and called and it just kept ringing and ringing. Finally a ranger pulled up in a boat, having no idea why they weren’t answering and was nice enough to radio in to find out that they were “probably not open for the season yet.” Luckily I had a satellite communicator and was able to message my wife to confirm what was going on. She called and there was voice message saying the water taxi was still closed for the season (nothing about portage, which is a separate service) at this point, because camping is strictly prohibited on Diablo without a permit, and because we were dropped off for the weekend we were stranded and had to abandon the weekend. Again, luckily we had a communicator and was able to message for an early ride home. Better communication is needed. Come on post a sign up at the phone or at least update your portage site WITH OPENING DATES.

Sherry C.

2023-07

1. Office workers seem like don’t know what is hospitality and always have a serious problem face. No welcoming and no smile, not friendly during check-in and check-out. People coming here for vacation not for your benefit approval. Guests pay for the service.2. One-way boat transfer is $4, not $3 on their brochure and $8 for round trip will be billed to your credit card, also they don’t recommend you to hike there and strongly recommend using their boat service even it says you have alternate hiking routes on their brochure. After I called them to pick you up from the dock, I’ve been waiting for 15 mins to get a boat to pick me up. And they don’t check who comes first, you will be not lucky when you meet someone don’t know what is a queue when boarding.3. The only Hiking trail to the dock really sucks, you will be easily went to the wrong direction and enter into a no-trail area, no sign to remind people to keep on the right route. Be aware of the steep hills.

Ken Jackson

2023-05

Always an amazing experience at Ross lake resort. Not only is the location stunning and there are so many fun activities to do, the staff are awesome. Everyone you meet are over the top helpful and fun to talk with. Passion for what they do shines through in every interaction. Night at Ross lake are just as magical as the days. Satellites and shooting stars streaking the sky. The ever present mountain just beyond the dam never leaves sight even at night. Truly a magical place.

Shelly Mann

2023-05

I had a horrible experience with the water taxi service at Ross Lake Resort. After emailing back and forth we finally had a phone conversation, while on the phone our trip was booked as we were talking ensuring it’s was correct. When we arrived at the resort we were told we were supposed to be there at 9:15, which was not true based on the phone conversation I had with Jared. We then spoke with the office manager who double checked our return trip, which was also not correct. We were dropped off and backpacked for three days. We arrived at our final pick up spot an hour early and waited. We continued to wait for one hour passed our pick up time. Thankfully we had a Garmin and were able to text someone to call the resort only to find out they again had the location and time incorrect. They finally came to get us 2 hours passed our pick up time. It is unacceptable to leave people stranded on the side of the lake and then act like they didn’t know whose mistake it was. And finally after all that, they went ahead and charged us the full amount. The service here is atrocious and I will not be returning and if you are looking for a water taxi shuttle, I would reconsider.

Natalia C.

2022-05

You can rent kayaks there, for whole day on weekends. Arrive early! Book ahead online.There is a lot to explore: from hiking down 1 mile ( there is no way you can get there by car), finding phone to cross the lake ( you will figure out why) or hike 2,5 miles more instead, after that, exploring vast waters with your kayak, fighting with sometime very strong wind when going back upstream. Mountains are breathtaking. Wind is dancing on water.After you are back to resort, you will be a bit tired. Hope you brought sandwiches! No food is sold there.Coming back, take boat cross the lake (1 min) or hike back those famous 2,5 miles, then same 1 mile uphill and you are back to parking.An adventure! You won’t regret it.

Michael A.

2022-05

If you enjoy fishing this is a great place to stay, or if you just want to kick back and enjoy one of the most awesome views outside your cabin this place can’t be beat! Lots of hiking or rent a boat and cruise the lake! I recommend the wooden blue and white boats that are handcrafted by the craftsman that work here. If you plan on possibly coming ashore someplace without a dock you might want to choose one of the aluminum boats.

Lisa

2023-05

Incredible and inspiring views of the Cascades in the most serene and relaxing environment. This resort books out one year in advance so plan ahead. Several watercraft are available to rent as well. There are also hiking trails off the back and a public restroom for anyone renting for the day.

cassandra falcon

2022-05

We were a little confused when we first arrived because we didn't realize that we had to hike down to the resort. This wasn't an issue though, the hike was gorgeous. We rented a kayak for just the day and although the winds were crazy strong, we stayed on the lake for about an hour. We didnt stray very far from the resort as we did not want to end up needing to be rescued, but it was worth it anyway! The views we're incredible and the entire experience was so unique. Everyone who worked there was so friendly, but we wanted to give a shout out to Edward specifically! He was so cool and kind and took awesome photos of us in front of the mountains. We heard it's extremely difficult to get a lodging reservation at the resort, but it's on our bucket list now!

Rob Luggie

2022-05

Renting a boat here is interesting if you are not staying at the resort. You have to park off the highway and hike a mile plus down a relatively steep trail, keeping in mind you will have to hike back out. When you get to the lake you need to call for a water taxi to take you to the lodge, unless you are up for hiking a couple more miles around the lake. The rental process is smooth, but the boats are tiny. They will get you around the lake, but they are very uncomfortable. There are a couple cool sites you can boat up to on the lake itself, including a waterfall you can back right up to and a deep canyon you can go into.

Aimee Martini

2022-05

It is QUITE a mission to get down to the resort .. when renting kayaks.. but it is fairly priced. I felt like Nancy Drew trying to figure out where the secret phone is.. to page the hot boat man.. to pick you up. It was a whole experience. Top secret. Breathtaking views. Great staff...especially the Corgi.

Leon Garza

2024-01

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Nicole Meli

2023-05

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Hannah April

2023-05

Stunning location. Friendly staff, quality equipment, and good prices. There’s a cool island to swim off of if you take a rental out on the lake. This was our favorite spot on our PNW trip!

Kathryn McCullough

2022-05

The website and phone voicemails were not accurate. I attempted to book boating and lodging at this resort prior to my trip. The website indicates no vacancy or availability. We still thought the lodge looked great and would like to visit. After we hiked a mile to the ferry to visit, the phone said they did not open for the season for 5 more days. I’m not mad that they weren’t yet open, but VERY angry that it was not posted they were closed. Having “no availability” and being closed are very different. The communication needs vast improvement from the management of this otherwise adorable national parks resort. Visitors hold national parks in great revere and the parks always hold up to expectation with specific detail to information and visitor satisfaction. I have never been this disappointed in our beloved parks.

Jerry Frost

2022-05

Ross Lake resort is a great place to visit. You can rent canoes and kayaks so you can go out and see Ross Lake yourself! We paddled to cougar Island. Watch out for the mountain winds, which start picking up around noon. You're facing a strong headwind for the return trip!

Joseph Catalano

2020-05

Let me start off by saying the only way to get to this resort is to hike there, Which is about 45 mins to an hour depending on how quickly you can do it. This place is worth it, and we didn't even stay their, we just used them for their boat rental, a 15 foot wooden boat with a 8hp outboard was around 100 dollars for the DAY. You can come back to the resort at any time to get your fuel tank topped off (which is nice). The people that work at this resort are friendly and easy to talk to. I believe the owner has a Corgi which is always a plus. (another thing to note, when we got back they actually drove us across the lake so that we could skip 75 percent of the hike, which after a long day of being on a boat and in the sun was extremely nice of them). We didn't catch any fish out on the boat but just the boat trip halfway up Ross Lake, (which will take you into Canada if you really want) was worth it on a Mid-August day. Seriously if you are in the Cascades this place is a must, you cannot put into perspective how beautiful this area is until you are in the middle of Ross Lake.

Libby

2022-05

We rented a motorboat to camp on Cougar Island over a cold and rainy weekend. A major highlight of the trip was receiving a boat tutorial from Lucas while his 14-year old dog Ella stood by us on the dock and then started moving back toward the shore once she sensed the end of the training. Lucas also had an amazing Kangal pup that turned two on 10/10! In all, the Ross Lake Resort staff was chill, amiable, and helpful. The breathtaking view of craggy North Cascades mountains bordering an aqua-jade lake speaks for itself. Prepare to be wet and cold once October rolls around. The benefits of poorer weather are fewer people--my friend who'd previously visited mentioned it was a madhouse in warmer months. We hardly saw anyone other than fishermen out on the lake or at the resort.

Danny Schaible

2019-05

Can I give it 6 stars?? Absolutely gorgeous resort, surrounded by picturesque mountains on the most breath-takingly turquoise lake nestled in the North Cascades. Rented a motorboat and traversed the lake for hours. So many panoramic views, your head will spin. Was there on opening day, and even though they were still setting up, the staff could not have been more accommodating. 6 out of 5 stars!!

Sage Michels

2023-11

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Carl Cheung

2022-05

Didn't get lucky enough to stay at the resort but rented a motorboat for a couple nights. The staff were nice and helpful. Special shout-out to Drew who lent us his fishing pole which we caught dinner with :)

Ab M

2018-05

We decided to hike down to Ross Lake for the day and rent a kayak, however once we got there we were told that the water was really strong that day and it would be difficult to get out there so we ended up renting a motor boat, they gave us a map and off we went! It was stunning, the treck can take you up to Canada if you go north enough. Since the wind was so bad we did not end up going that far, but the views were incredible. THey do have a phone to call and they will pick you up and take you to the other side of the water, which we decided to hike instead.. but knowing there was a phone would have been helpful! Loved this place and was a memory I will never forget! THank you!

Krupa Guna

2017-05

Peaceful atmosphere to stay away from gadgets and can get closer with nature with pleasant scenic view of mountains, lake, hot tea during Sun rise and Sun sets. Stars and stars and the moon can be enjoyed sitting inside the cabins via glass. Of course u have to come prepared with groceries milk and other needs. Cooking and grilling facilities fine. some basic food is available in the office but we dint try bcz we had enough with us. We can enjoy the boat ride in between mountains and clouds touching scenes are beautiful. Must watch place for nature lovers. Gadgets freak please be away there will be no signal. There are specific timing for the boat service to reach cabins if u miss it then u have take all ur belongings via hiking so better be on-time. I will surely visit this place again and again

Alex Schuldberg

2019-05

We dropped by just to pick up some kayaks for a camping trip to Big Beaver. The staff was friendly and the resort is quaint and cute. We stayed way past our welcome, but the staff were chill with it regardless.

Travis V.

2023-07

Always a joy at Ross Lake Resort.We have the 3 bunkhouse for our annual fishing club, the Invaders.Rooms: Cabins floating on the lake.

Jonathan Brabant

2019-05

If you are lucky enough to get a reservation at the resort you are n for a real treat. Even if you can't get a resort reservation you can still try and get a camp site along the lake or in one of the island. You can even rent a boat from the resort or take their water taxi to and from your camp site. This is one of those places that you will remember forever!

David Batt

2022-05

Been going there for 18 years. I think the price has finally ran me out of there. Very expensive. Get there at 3 in the afternoon you have to check out at 9 in the morning. Fishing is one fish, 16in minimum, barbless hook bait prohibited. Breathtaking scenery.

Bruce Morton

2019-05

This resort is extremely unique. Floating on the lake makes the water always steps away. The water is perfect temp for swimming. Lots of fun ways to pass the time.

Bryan Solo

2015-05

We loved it so much, what a great experience. It isn't cheap, but it's worth it, no TV, good luck on much for Internet, but a great place to stay. Rent the boat, go fishing.. enjoy the lake and the quiet.

Kalee Quiñones

2023-05

One of my favorite camping and hiking experiences to date. Gorgeous!

Seth Robertson

2021-05

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