Dedicated Group Of National Park Service Staff

all images © Paul Anderson

A great group of NPS staff stopped by the resort this morning and met briefly with Tom before venturing up lake for a tour of campgrounds, and the natural resources/features surrounding the lake.

Rosemary Seifried is leading the group of park rangers, backcountry rangers, information specialists, and staff from North Cascades National Park Headquarters, and from offices in Stehekin, Newhalem, and Marblemount.

Tom gave an overview of resort operations, services provided, and a description of the water taxi operation.

There is a very good and strong partnership existing between The National Park Service, Seattle City Light and Ross Lake Resort which results in a wonderful experience for all of us that venture to North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Ross Lake Resort.

Gerry Cook, long time employee of North Cascades NP skippers the Ross Mule for the tour.

Kayaking Ross Lake

Devil's Creek, Dylan, Mackenzie and Marny © Paul K Anderson

Arctic Creek and Curran  © Paul K Anderson

Arctic Creek and Curran  © Paul K Anderson

Mackenzie at Skymo Creek © Paul K Anderson

Ross Lake is a mecca for kayakers.

Numerous campsites around the lake, spectacular mountains, and hidden waterfalls and canyons all add to the enjoyment of the experience.

Hike up Big Beaver from the campsite to see large old growth red cedars.  Hike up Desolation Peak and visit the fire lookout where Jack Kerouac spent a fire season and started one of his books.

Kayak to the base of Skymo, Arctic, and No Name Falls and slip into the narrow high walled canyon at Devil's Creek.

What are you waiting for?  Next year you're only going to be another year older!

Life is short, enjoy the North Cascades now!

Spring Move II

Keena is supervising the camp move this spring.  Carol's spring planting's are waiting in the back for planting.

Spring Move

Every spring, and every fall, the floating cabins and other buildings are moved from either near the shore to the log boom or from log boom back to shore for the normal summer configuration.

Why?

Ross Lake is a reservoir and Seattle City Light Lowers the level of the lake for electrical demands and for prevention of damage and flooding due to winter floods and early spring snow melt.

So, the resort moves the buildings and cabins in November and May.

Here are some images that Tom and the staff shot in May to show us the process.

Fathers Day Part II

Well, I can't think of a better way to spend Fathers Day than getting ready and packing for spending the long hours of the solstice up here at the resort with the kids and a couple of their friends.

The lake is at it's peak level, snow still hangs from the ledges and snowfields on Colonial, Pyramid, and Jack Mountains and the waterfalls are full.

The kids just took off in the blue boats for some exploration time up at Ruby Creek.

The girls from housekeeping are prepping the cabins for the next guests coming in this afternoon, Tom is assembling a new gas grill so he can burn some steaks and Carol is muttering at the reservations software program that is running slow.

Will shields, long time staff member is sharpening a chain saw, Wendy his wife has the day off and Ethan Abata is out splitting wood for the cabins.

Jeff Jewett, minus his dreadlocks from last year, also has the day off.

Lucas Qualls who is starting his fifth year on staff was blowing glass last night and these photos are from that session.

More later.

Canoe and Kayak Ross Lake

© Paul K Anderson

© Paul K Anderson

Come on up and visit Ross Lake to canoe, kayak, hike, or climb and be sure to stop by and visit and check on cabin availability for your next trip.

RLR provides the only shuttle service on the lake and can run you, your gear,  and supplies the full length of the lake in our fast shuttle boat.

We also rent boats, canoes and kayaks, but you must reserve in advance during the busy summer season.

There are occasional cabins available on specific dates, so if you can plan your adventure around your reservation you could start or end your trip in style and comfort.

And of course, if you bring your own canoe or kayak, RLR will shuttle you and your gear by truck from the base of Ross Dam and Diablo Lake to Ross Lake and back again at the end of your trip.

Remember you must reserve camping sites through the National Park Service.  See the link on the right side of the blog.

Check out www.rosslakeresort.com for rates and fees.

Happy Fathers Day

© Paul K Anderson