Ross Lake Resort

The popularity of these cabins is well deserved. The views are stunning - photos of them are exceptional but still do not do the scenery justice. The changing light and colors on the surrounding peaks and the surface of the lake are breathtaking- and exciting to watch throughout the day. The stargazing is incredible (consider bringing a sleeping bag to lay on the deck). If you get a call from the lottery list, go - it could be your only chance and it's not worth passing up! Things that I wished that I had packed: paper towels and a cozy blanket for sitting out front in the early mornings and at night. For transporting your goods, I recommend packing things (even clothing) into tubbies/packing bins instead of duffels/backpacks/suitcases. This makes it easy to stack them for the boats in and out, the truck ride, and they can be easily stowed under beds during your stay. Separate note - I am so impressed by the amount of work that the staff put in, to make this place float (literally). Two of the four mornings that we were there, one cabin was beached (due to the nearby dam releasing water and the lake dropping level) and, somehow, they moved it back out to water. Their willingness and adeptness at dealing with both whatever the mountain environment + a varied population of humans (very distinctly 3 types when I visited: fishing men, sweet elderly retiree couples, and families with busy kids) throws at them - it's impressive.

We rented a canoe from Ross Lake Resort. The vessel was in good condition and had plenty of space for our gear. Throughout the process, the staff was helpful and efficient. The one issue I have is that they say you don't need experience to rent their watercraft, which include motor boats. While we were canoeing on the lake, some of the motor boats motored very close to us, forcing us to deal with their wakes. We saw this happen to kayakers, too. It is a massive lake, so there is no reason that motor boats cannot keep their distance from non-motorized craft. This is especially hazardous if conditions are choppy, as big waves can capsize canoes. To solve this issue, I think the resort should consider having all boaters watch a short informational video on how to deal with boat traffic, as well as other tips, like how to deal with choppy conditions or distribute weight properly in canoes and kayaks.

One-of-a-kind,, out of this world , and almost too good to be true - Tiffany and the team Ross Lake Resort are in a class all by themselves, and worthy stewards of a magical place unlike any other on the 🌎 - The place is truly miraculous but it is the people that make it go that sets it apart. I will always be grateful for my time at RLR and I can't wait to go back 🤟

*We only used the Water Taxi service* This was a great way to explore deeper along the Ross Lake. The communication was prompt and the price reasonable. We were picked up at the transfer dock and shuttled to Rainbow Point for a 4 day backpacking trip. On day 4 we were picked up EXACTLY on time at Hozomeen Campground. Both Captains were very good driving. The boat is on the smaller side and the Captains might not be chatter boxes but they are good at what they good. The ride back was a bit choppy but we enjoyed it. I would recommend this service!

Special, rare remote location with a mix of regular annual guests and new ones. Full of charm, must love water as it's all around and under the floating cabins. Must love self-sufficiency, as you must literally move your gear and supplies in/out of ferries and boats. Glamping with few services, and it's the simplicity that is relaxing. I have been taking my family for over 13 years, it's a tradition and we adore it. Best for those who are committed to pristine nature and its preservation.

Wonderful place to relax and unwind. They have good Wi-Fi near the store, however it’s limited in cabins. Very quiet and peaceful. The staff was wonderful and we really enjoyed our stay!

**Review for Ross Lake Resort** Ross Lake Resort is an absolute gem for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The amenities are top-notch, with a wide range of recreational options including boats, kayaks, and paddle boards available for rental. Whether you're looking to explore the lake at your own pace or simply enjoy a peaceful paddle, there is something for everyone. The views at Ross Lake Resort are breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure alike. The serene environment is complemented by the exceptionally helpful staff, who go out of their way to ensure guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay. Overall, Ross Lake Resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor fun, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Highly recommended!

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The girl at the counter let me borrow a phone pouch so my phone didn’t get wet. You do have to hike a little over a mile down a hill to get to the resort. The trail is maintained, but it’s something to be aware of.

So fun! You can rent a boat, the views are amazing, and all the different little waterfalls are beautiful

The resort provides portage service that we used between Diablo and Ross lakes. Both directions were extremely slow and unreliable. On the way into Ross, we were the first at the dock: called in to the office and were told 20-30 min. A truck did arrive after 30 min, but it was loaded with passengers for the ferry that first needed to unload, then ferry passengers (who in the meantime arrived) were loaded in front of us onto the truck and left. Then, a second truck with kayaks came - these were then unloaded and we were finally loaded onto a very stinky, loud, and bumpy diesel truck - with us being right behind the exhaust pipe. The ordeal took about 2 hours. On the way back, we were _again_ the first at the dock and told 20-30 min. A truck did arrive after 20 min, but it was loaded with a motorboat that arrived _after_ us. Our kayaks then did not fit safely on the truck and the driver said "I need to leave.". To my request if they can get a driver for the second truck, someone on the other end of the radio replied "We do not have more than 1 truck on the road, and we're short staffed." About an hour later, the truck returns full of canoes, that first needed to be unloaded and finally our kayaks are loaded onto the truck. The truck driver was switched out with a crew of _2_ drivers. Short staffed? Only 1 truck on the road? This return trip took about 2.5 hours. 2 more things about Ross Lake Resort: - They do not assume any reliability for portaging, so whatever breaks even if they loaded it, is not their fault. - They have a noisy generator running all day long. Lies, unreliable service and prioritizing their own resort guests ahead of others makes this a -1/5 in my book.

I can't say enough good things. From the gorgeous landscapes, from the literally journey to get there, to the amenities, and lastly, to the staff... it was all five stars. They truly do a great job to build an experience for the guests. If you are lucky enough to stay here, you will understand why it's so great. Special shout-out to Jared, Drew, Lucas, Kate, and Anna.

Did not stay over night at the resort (wish we could have), but took the Ross Lake Trail and rented a motor boat for the day. Absolute wonderful experience that you will cherish! Friendly staff upon arrival. Trail was easy to navigate and then we took the ferry from the resort after returning which was awesome. Definitely recommend visiting this unique, picturesque spot.

I would give zero stars, if possible. They charged my family $200+ for a boat rental for a hunting trip. They were specifically asked about hunting when the reservation was booked and said it was fine. The day my family got to camp, the resort sent a staff member and guests to come and harass my family and use a dog to scare away any game in the area. We are avid backcountry hikers and campers throughout the rest of the year, and we would have liked to use the boat rentals again many times. But the rude and deceitful treatment by the staff is just too much. We will never have any association with this resort again. There are many other beautiful lakes and places to stay. No need to be treated like this!

Ross Lake is amazing. You drive up to the ferry, park at the dock, buy ferry tickets, bring your camping items to the dock, haul it to the ferry (while helping others), haul it back down and up to an open-back truck, which leads you through the forest to the last boat, which is a power-boat that takes guests in groups to the resort. You rent your own boats here, and your bring/make your own food. Where you rent the boats is a little bait shop with little things you might have forgotten at home like toothpaste and fishing line. There is no restaurant or spa here, just nature! Now, what to do! For starters, some of the many fun things to do here is being able to take the boat and just boat around! There are so many pretty waterfalls to boat to. Also, if you've never driven a little boat like your rental, I believe they can show you :) It's not that hard! Just make sure to AVOID logs on the water as that might damage the propellor. You DO have oars in your boat just in case and we all know nobody wants to paddle a full boat half a mile back to the resort. You can also do what I excitedly wanted to do as a 13 year old--boat to Canada! Boating up Ross Lake, you get into Canadian waters. I just thought that was like, so freaking cool. After the trip, we actually did cross the border and go to Canada, and I was like... cool stoplights, aye! Anyways, another thing to do is to sit outside of your porch for fun. Man, can I tell you... doing that is just so relaxing. Even when the few guests pass by, you're just there, looking at the beautiful snow-capped Cascades, hearing NATURE. Yes, that's nature. Looking up and seeing MANY stars! Just sitting back in your chair, wishing that everyday was like this. I am a city girl..... but I will always love doing this. Now, for what to bring. So you're going to want to go camping and fishing meaning tents, sleeping bags, poles, bear repellant/horns (generally speaking, this is a forest with bears, although I've never encountered any, just nice deer and squirrels), heat packs, different sized coolers (also for the food you will bring for the whole trip), flashlights, hats, sunblock, fishing poles, bait/tackle (they also sell this at the resort store), sunglasses, and whatever else you might need for camping and fishing. Don't forget walkie talkies as there is NO cell phone reception/wifi/phone jacks here. They have a phone at the bait shop. For food, you will have to plan your days and your meals accordingly and bring those foods with you. I think they have salt and pepper in the cabins, but that's about it, the rest is all you. We brought some pans as well but I don't remember if they were offered (please call the resort to double check, I wouldn't want someone thinking they provided pans from readings this, when they actually don't!). So bring condiments, skewers, marinated foods, packs of water, drinks, (I know they have cups, plates and utensils, though) and the food that you want to bring by packing them in the large sized coolers. Now as for you... don't forget things that are individual to you (such as medication) and please pack accordingly. This is still a resort, so they do offer guest-sized soaps. But bring your shampoo/cond, lotions, razor, etc. They have housekeeping and obviously are very earth-conscious , so don't think you need to change your towels everyday! The cabin situation goes like this: there are 8 regular sized cabins and 2 larger two-storied cabins at the end of the row, which are furthest from the bait shop/main house. The smaller cabins have 4 single beds which are two bunk beds by the bathroom, and two single beds in the living area. They also have a furnace, and wood is provided at the side of your cabins--although you do have to chop it up into small pieces yourself with the axe they provide. I'm not sure how the larger cabins are, although those are the ones we will be renting come 2013. My little advisory notice is this... this is not a fashion trip. I learned this the hard way. The docks have no protective railing, so to speak. Just a 4 inch dock border, which is where you tie your boats to. So if you will be traveling with small children, have them outfitted with their life vest once they are out of the cabin, and walking on the dock. Water in front of your cabin might be about 50ft deep. We have lost a pair of sunglasses to these waters (fell off a hat, hit the dock, and fell slowly in the water...RIP) and I'm sure people have lost cameras and other belongings as well. Be warned. But yes, bring your cameras and chargers because you will be taking PLENTY of pictures! My one wish for this resort is that they have a spa! I promise you, this is such an amazing resort. It will be such an awesome trip if anyone decides to take the journey and just GO! Leave the busy world behind! Never had a bad experience here, and I never will. I'm sure the rest of the people who have been coming here since the 1960s definitely agree, too! So go on..

I have never stayed here before but the lady on the phone was not friendly at all. She did not sound happy that I was simply calling to ask questions. She just kept saying "No....no....no..." to all my questions in an unhappy tone of voice as if she didn't even want to work there. Most places that give good customer service will at least make suggestions if one has questions but there was nothing of that. It was just "No...(then silence). as if I was bothering her with my questions. Makes me NOT was to ever stay there. I hope management sees this review.