Ross Lake Resort

Floating cabins on alpine Ross Lake with boat rentals

InsideNorth Cascades National Park

Overview

A North Cascades classic, Ross Lake Resort is a string of 1950s-era floating cabins tucked into a dramatic mountain lake. It’s quiet, remote, and purposefully simple—more glamping-on-water than full-service hotel. Cabins come with private bathrooms, full kitchens, electricity, and heat; you bring the groceries and the pace. Expect superb lake and peak views and an easy launch point for paddling and fishing.

Getting There (and Around)

Reaching the resort is part of the fun. Most visitors hike down from the Ross Dam Trailhead to the lakeshore and call for the resort shuttle from the phone box across the water; the short shuttle is a paid service per person each way. If you’re paddling your own craft, the resort runs a truck portage between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake during the operating season. You’ll launch at Colonial Creek on Diablo, paddle to the end of the lake to the NPS dock, then use the dock phone to request the first-come portage. There are also phones at both portage docks for coordination.

Staying Here

Cabins are fully outfitted—kitchen gear, towels, bedding, hot/cold water, and either wood or electric heat—plus shared propane grills. There’s no on-site restaurant or store, so plan meals and snacks for the whole stay. Policies to know: no pets overnight in cabins; children under four stay free. Free parking for guests is available before the lake transfer.

On the Water

The marina rents motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and even fishing gear, so you can turn the lake into your backyard. It’s an ideal base for exploring coves and shore camps, or for a simple sunset paddle from your doorstep. The setting is notably peaceful compared to busier Western parks, and the long, fjord-like lake serves up constant mountain scenery.

Reservations and Season

This place is beloved and books up fast. An annual lottery (reset each January) and a rolling last-minute cancellation board fill the limited cabins; many guests rebook a year ahead. The season typically runs from early June through October 31, with resort services—including the Diablo–Ross portage—operating only in that window.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during the June–October operating season. Weekdays are easiest for day visits and boat rentals, and the overall vibe is unhurried thanks to the remote access and small capacity. If you’re planning to paddle or use the portage, aim squarely within the seasonal operating dates.

Pros

Floating cabins with full kitchens and private bathrooms
On-site boat, canoe, and kayak rentals
Water taxi/shuttle and Diablo–Ross truck portage make access manageable

Cons

No restaurant or store; bring all your food and supplies
Hard-to-get reservations via annual lottery
Seasonal operations and services (June–October)

Tips

Use the shuttle phone box across the lake to call for the $4 per person ride to the resort; pay in the office [rosslakeresort.com](https://www.rosslakeresort.com/how-to-get-here).
Truck portage between Diablo and Ross typically runs June–Oct; no reservations and first-come—call from the dock phones to request service [rosslakeresort.com](https://www.rosslakeresort.com/water-taxi-portage).
If you’re paddling your own boat, launch at Colonial Creek on Diablo Lake and paddle ~5 miles to the NPS dock to meet the portage truck [rosslakeresort.com](https://www.rosslakeresort.com/water-taxi-portage).
Ferry/water taxi capacity and gear limits can apply; contact the resort in advance and consider hiking in if you’re able [rosslakeresort.com](https://www.rosslakeresort.com/getting-here).
Bring all groceries and drinks—there’s no restaurant or store on site [rosslakeresort.com](https://www.rosslakeresort.com/stay).