East Bank Trail

Overview

The East Bank Trail is the classic Ross Lake traverse: a long, mostly moderate corridor threading forests and lakeshore benches with steady views and plentiful camps. It’s a choose‑your‑own‑length kind of route—great as an ambitious multi‑day backpack or broken into mellow day hikes from the south end.

Route and Distance

From the East Bank Trailhead on State Route 20 (milepost 138), the trail drops to a bridge over Ruby Creek, then climbs gently over Hidden Hand Pass before descending to Ross Lake. From there, it undulates along the shore toward the Canadian border and Hozomeen, with side trips to places like Hozomeen Lake and Willow Lake, and a turn up Lightning Creek into a remote valley. The full traverse runs roughly 28–30 miles one way, but many hikers sample sections as out‑and‑backs. Expect distance—not steep grades—to be the main challenge.

Access and Logistics

Southern access is straightforward at the East Bank Trailhead on SR 20. The northern end (Hozomeen) is typically reached via Canada on the rough Silver‑Skagit Road, which is often gated seasonally and has experienced washouts; border access at Hozomeen has also been closed to vehicle and foot traffic at times. A popular workaround is the Ross Lake Resort water taxi, which can drop or pick up at key points (e.g., Devil’s/Devils Junction, Lightning Creek, or near the Desolation Peak junction) to create one‑way itineraries. Parking at the south trailhead is generally easy, and hikers report restrooms in the area.

Camping, Permits, and Pets

Designated lakeshore and valley camps are spaced along the route (including stock and boat‑in sites). A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays; the lakeside sites are popular in peak season, so reserve early. Some camps (e.g., Lightning Creek) have amenities like bear boxes and pit/vault toilets. Dogs are allowed on leash along this corridor because it traverses Ross Lake National Recreation Area—just keep your itinerary in mind if you plan side trips that leave that jurisdiction.

Notable Sights

Expect classic North Cascades forest with big lake views, frequent swimming and fishing opportunities along Ross Lake, and pockets of history like a trapper’s cabin near Lightning Creek. Hozomeen Lake is a short spur with mirror‑calm water beneath Hozomeen Peak; note it’s closed to entry and camping from April 1 to May 31 to protect nesting loons.

Best Time to Hike

Thanks to lower elevation, the East Bank Trail often comes into shape earlier and lingers later than high‑country routes. June through October is the sweet spot. Mid‑summer brings longer days (and bugs), while shoulder seasons trade crowds for a higher chance of rain and wind. If you’re chasing photos, early and late light works beautifully on the lake. Weekdays are quieter at popular camps.

Hazards and Current Notes

Trail and access conditions change after storms. The bridge over Nightmare Creek has been reported unstable—be prepared to ford if necessary—and there’s a difficult stock crossing at May Creek. North access via the Silver‑Skagit Road can be closed or damaged; verify status before planning a through‑trip. Seasonal fire restrictions are common; as of early July 2025, a park‑wide campfire ban was in effect. Practice bear‑aware food storage and give wildlife plenty of space.

Wildlife and Trail Character

Hikers frequently report deer and black bear along the lakeshore, and gray wolves have been observed in the Hozomeen area. Loons nest on nearby waters in spring. The tread is generally well maintained, but distances often feel longer than expected—plan conservative daily mileage and bring a reliable map. Desolation Peak is a popular add‑on reached via boat drop; if you tack it on, know there’s no water at the camp up there.

Tips

• Use the water taxi to turn a long out‑and‑back into a rewarding traverse.
• Expect bugs in mid‑summer; bring repellent and a head net if you’re sensitive.
• Treat all water and carry rain layers—weather changes quickly around Ross Lake.