East Bank Trail

The East Bank Trail follows the eastern shore of Ross Lake through a corridor of old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar, with the kind of cathedral-like canopy that makes you forget the sun exists. The path rolls gently through lowland forest, occasionally breaking open to reveal turquoise glacial water that looks photoshopped but isn't. Side creeks cut across the trail at intervals, and the understory shifts between fern-carpeted stretches and rocky sections where roots grab at your ankles. This isn't a trail that punches you in the lungs — the moderate rating comes from its length and occasional uneven footing rather than any serious climbing. The deeper you go, the quieter it gets, and that's the real payoff. Hikers who want backcountry solitude without a backcountry sufferfest will find exactly what they're looking for here.