Ross Lake East Bank Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

Ross Lake East Bank Trail

~3 days · 31.8 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance31.8 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain5,066 ft
Gain / mile159 ft
High point2,907 ft

What the Ross Lake East Bank Trail is known for

The East Bank Trail follows the eastern shore of Ross Lake through Ross Lake National Recreation Area, 31 miles point-to-point from Highway 20 north to Hozomeen at the Canadian border, through old-growth forest with lake and peak views. Overnights use designated lakeshore camps that require an NPS backcountry permit.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Ross Lake East Bank Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 5,318 ft to 9,472 ft over 31.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 10.8 mi · 34%
  • Downhill 14.0 mi · 44%
  • Flat 6.9 mi · 22%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Ross Lake East Bank Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Ross Lake East Bank Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 31.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Ross Lake East Bank Trail?

The Ross Lake East Bank Trail climbs roughly 5,066 ft total — about 159 ft per mile, topping out near 2,907 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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