Ross Lake (Washington)

History

Ross Lake and its dam, originally named Ruby Dam, were constructed in three phases from 1937 to 1949. The dam rises 540 feet high. A planned fourth stage was put on hold for 80 years after Seattle City Light struck a power-purchase deal with British Columbia in 1984. Both the lake and dam honor James D. Ross, who oversaw the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project for Seattle City Light.

Hydrology

Ross Lake is formed by the impoundment of the Skagit River by Ross Dam, operated by Seattle City Light for hydroelectric power. After leaving the lake, the Skagit River flows through two more reservoirs before reaching Puget Sound. Tributaries include the upper Skagit River, Hozomeen Creek, Silver Creek, Little Beaver Creek, Arctic Creek, Lightning Creek, Devils Creek, Big Beaver Creek, and Ruby Creek, most originating from glaciers and snowfields in the surrounding high peaks.

Recreation

Ross Lake is a major recreation destination offering fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, with well-renowned trout fishing. Ross Dam and downstream Gorge and Diablo dams block salmon migration, so the lake has no anadromous fish.

Camping is available at boat-in and hike-in sites; free backcountry camping permits are obtained first-come, first-served from the National Park Service in Marblemount. The Ross Lake Resort, a floating resort of cabins and bunkhouses on log booms, sits near the dam and relocates to the lake center during winter drawdowns for flood control. A road from Canada ends just inside the U.S., and travelers must reenter Canada to leave without reporting to a Port of Entry.