Ross Dam Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trail descends steeply in sections with exposed tree roots that become slippery when wet — watch your footing, especially on the way back up when tired legs make a stumble more likely.
There is no water source along the trail and minimal shade breaks on the climb out. The return ascent is more strenuous than the distance suggests, so pace yourself in warm weather.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early in the morning — the east-facing viewpoints catch gorgeous light on Ross Lake before midday shadows flatten everything out, and the small parking pulloff along Highway 20 fills up fast on summer weekends.
Bring trekking poles for the return climb. The 500-foot ascent back to the trailhead is concentrated in a short distance, and the trail surface can be slick with damp needles and exposed roots.
Once you reach the dam, walk across it if access is open — the view looking north up Ross Lake toward the Canadian border is one of the most underrated panoramas in the entire park, and most hikers turn around too early to see it.
Photos
NPS