Ross Lake

Ross Lake is a small mountain lake below Narao Peak’s headwall, reached on foot from the Lake O’Hara parking lot. Keep it in mind if you want a lake walk with clear, stony shallows and a close mountain backdrop; allow about two hours for 5.8 km return, so it’s a proper hike rather than a quick roadside stop.

The route follows the Great Divide Trail for about 2 km before turning onto a forested path to the lake. It’s 2.9 km each way, with 140 m of climbing and 20 m of descent on the way out. Sink Lake sits along the approach, and you can loop back via Lake O’Hara Road instead of retracing the same trail.

Narao Peak’s rocky headwall and Divide Mountain are the main backdrop. Clear water and stones in the shallows give the shore its character. For a photo, frame those stones below the headwall; including both shows how the lake sits under the rock wall.