Basic Backpacking Field Trip - Ross Dam & Big Beaver Creek

Ross Lake, created with the damming of the Skagit River almost a century ago, is one of the most accessible parts of the North Cascades National Park complex. Our trip is just a taste of the hundreds of miles of trails on and around Ross Lake.

Day 1

After stopping at Marblemount to pick up our permit, we will start hiking from the Ross Dam Trailhead.

Hiking down to the lake level, we will lose 600' of elevation in the first mile, and then have the unique experience of walking across the Ross Dam. We will gradually gain back almost the full 600' before dropping back to lake level at 7 miles. The trail has many small ups and downs, but not much in the way of big hill climbs. We will take it at a leisure pace, stopping as needed for pack and clothing adjustment, and for some packs-off snack breaks.

We will set up camp at the Big Beaver Boat Camp group site (Ross Lake has many popular boat-in destination camps and basecamps, but they are not reservable for boaters until July 1).

Big Beaver Trail provides an opportunity to explore further up the valley. 

Day 2

We will eat breakfast and pack up, aiming to hit the trail again between 9-10. Our biggest climb of the day will be the final 600' gain back to the cars from Ross Dam.

 Special considerations

• We won't encounter snow and don't expect any notable water crossings (unless you count Ross Dam, which is quite notable)
• At this elevation, bugs will likely be out already; bring protection against mosquitos and ticks
• We will most likely have a stocked toilet, but hikers should be equipped with TP and trowel or blue bag regardless.
• We will most likely have a bear box (permanent installation at camp), but hikers are encouraged to bring their bear-proof food storage for practice if they wish.
• This trip will go rain or shine! Check the forecast at 48.77N 121.07W and pack accordingly.

A note about the lands and waters we will be enjoying

We will be on the ancestral land of the Sauk-Suiattle and Syilx-Okanogan people and acknowledge that Indigenous people have lived on and stewarded these lands and waters since the beginning of time, and continue to do so today. In choosing to recreate here, we will do so respectfully, mindful to subvert any attitude of conquest.

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.  For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Basic Backpacking Field Trips are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.   

All carpools will meet at the Marblemount Ranger Station at 8AM and we will caravan to the trailhead. All drivers will need to share their car details with the trip leader ahead of time to be added to the permit for overnight parking. 

Pack fitting and gear check at the trailhead and we'll aim to start hiking between 9:30-10AM