East Bank Trail - Ross Lake

The East Bank Trail follows the east side of Ross Lake. The trail makes for a moderate backpacking destination because the elevation gain is mostly easy. The lower elevation also makes this trail a good early or late season trip. Some camps are on the lake while others are just forested camps with a creek. At 16 miles, the trail leaves Ross Lake and follows Lightning Creek wrapping around Desolation Peak to reach the top of the lake at Hozemeen. Most hikers are not interested in leaving the lake area, so their furthest destination is often Desolation Peak, a worthy goal. Just dayhike Desolation from your most northern campsite. Permits from the National Park service are required to camp here so look into it.