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Trip Report

East Bank Ross Lake, Desolation Peak, Lake Hozomeen & Willow Lake Trail — Friday, Jun. 2, 2017

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
The infamous Lookout on Desolation Peak

After a winter of training I have been chomping at the bit to get in a long fastpack that didn't force me to deal with the lingering snowpack.  I remembered a route that I had looked at earlier this year that followed a few trails to the Canadian border.  I dug up my Green Trails maps and saw the majority of the route was under 3,000' in elevation and as such, should be pretty snow free.  I inquired of a few friends about their experiences on the trails and was reminded that Desolation Peak was in the area.  I figured there would be a lot of snow on the mountain but asked around about it as well.  A recent account from a trail runner surprised me as they said there wasn't much left on this famous mountain.  That was all I needed to know.  I packed up my light overnight kit and headed north.

I began at 7:00 AM Friday morning in a light mist.  The East Bank Trail has a huge trailhead and is hard to miss.  The first few miles are gradual on a wide non-technical trail.  There were some stream crossings but I was able to hop over them or use rocks.  After about three miles the trail cuts north and climbs, but again gradually.  I made good speed along this section but eventually found myself having to ford Roland Creek.  It appears a blowdown is available if you want to avoid this but my feet were already getting wet from all the underbrush so I just plowed through the creek.  

From there all the creek crossings have bridges or rocks can be used to cross.  Just south of May Creek Camp I came across a quartet of National Park employees clearing blowdowns.  I was grateful for their work and by the time I returned they had cleared the trail of blowdowns completely to about two miles south of Devils Junction.  Great timing!

Smooth sailing continued along the shores of Ross Lake and I was fortunate that the sun finally came out.  The trail continued to be a dream and I was able to make a good pace given it's non-technical nature.  Within four and a half hours I was at the junction with the Lightning Creek Trail.  I had to admire the work put into the suspension bridge there for a few minutes.

Finally the work began as I started up Desolation Peak.  There are two or three water sources located along the two mile section that traverses the western flank of the mountain.  Once the grind up starts, water becomes more limited.  There are two small sources at about 4,100' in elevation but I don't imagine they will be there longer than three or four weeks.  So fill up early on.

The climb was a bit more gradual that I anticipated and once you break out of the treeline, the views take your mind off the work.  The first significant snow appeared right around the marker for the Desolation Peak campsite.  Not having been up there before I was still able to easily follow a line up towards the summit "ridgeline" and there was enough snow melted out that I would be able to find portions of the trail as it switchbacked up towards the lookout.  Finally I was able to get my eyes on the lookout and make a line for it.  Make sure you stay as near the ridgeline as possible and don't drop down to the east of it or you will cause yourself extra work.

Some portions of the ridge have quite a bit of snow and won't melt out for another couple of weeks but honestly if you have experience with snow travel, you should not have any issues.

Took a break at the lookout and admired the views.  Clouds seemed to be hanging on to the taller peaks but I still was amazed by the 360 views.  At this time of year, the lookout was still locked up.

Still having a ways to go, I quickly descended the trail back to it's junction with Lightning Creek and then hung a left there to follow that trail for the next six or so miles to its junction with Willow Lake Trail.  After a steep little climb, this trail mellows out as it turns east.  I loved the gentle up and downs of it with the brief views Spratt Mountain.  There are a couple of water sources along this trail.

Finally it turns northward and you drop down towards Deer Lick CG.  As you near the shelter you will encounter the biggest blowdown of this route. A huge tree that dropped down over a switchback.  Some work is needed to get around it but it can be negotiated.  

From there it was once again back to an easy cruise passing Deer Lick Campground and finally hitting the junction with Willow Lake Trail.  Climbing towards Willow Lake is a beautiful section of forest along the creek.  There is another larger blowdown in this section that you will have to scramble over. Once I got to the junction with Hozomeen Lake, dusk was approaching and by the time I hit the Campground near the border it was ten PM.

Only two other groups were at this first come, first serve campground.  I laid out my overnight kit and called it a night.

The next morning, I hit the Trail of the Obelisk to get a shot of it at the border and then re-traced my steps back to my car this time skipping the climb to Desolation but taking the side trip to Hozomeen Lake (worth it).

This route was a wonderful experience that afforded so many different little ecosystems, some soaring views and for the most part, very easy trail travel.  For those not interested in such a long journey, utilizing a boat shuttle and only going one way would be a fantastic way to experience it as well.

Other side note, no bear sightings but I encountered quite a bit of bear scat so be bear aware out there! 

The journey was 78 miles and I completed it just shy of 36 hours at a mostly walking pace (I did jog down Desolation).

Ross Lake
The Obelisk
Hozomeen Lake
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Comments

Frank Nelson on Desolation Peak, Lake Hozomeen, East Bank Ross Lake, Willow Lake Trail

One of my go to hikes. I was thinking about his one next weekend. Frank

Posted by:


Frank Nelson on Jun 04, 2017 04:06 PM

Stuke Sowle on Desolation Peak, Lake Hozomeen, East Bank Ross Lake, Willow Lake Trail

I know you've been looking for a multi-dayer Frank. This one presents few hassles!

Posted by:


Stuke Sowle on Jun 04, 2017 08:00 PM

Anna Roth on Desolation Peak, Lake Hozomeen, East Bank Ross Lake, Willow Lake Trail

Super helpful information. Thanks for getting after it and sharing your photos!

Posted by:


Anna Roth on Jun 09, 2017 11:11 AM

Stuke Sowle on Desolation Peak, Lake Hozomeen, East Bank Ross Lake, Willow Lake Trail

Glad you found it helpful Anna! It was good to get out and be able to supply the latest on these trails! Happy trails!

Posted by:


Stuke Sowle on Jun 11, 2017 02:51 PM