Paddle Ross Lake - the North Cascades are Calling!

June in the Pacific Northwest can often be dull and rainy or at best a mixed bag of tricks, so when we saw the weather forecast for a weekend heat wave we knew we had to jump at the chance to paddle.  We decided to look for a new lake to explore and with the help of Google we came across Ross Lake in the North Cascades.

Jagged peaks of the North Cascades

There are 19 boat access back country campgrounds along Ross Lake.  Can you imagine? We felt like kids in a candy store.  Although they are called back country sites, they are well maintained and fully equipped with pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and bear caches.  The outhouses were even stocked with toilet paper.  Talk about luxury travel!  And just when you think it can't get any better...the campsites are FREE.  Visitors are simply asked to register and pick up a back country permit before heading into the park.

The only road access to Ross Lake is via Canada.  Leaving Hope you follow the Silver-Skagit road, a gravel access road, and wind your way along the Skagit River towards the Hozomeen Ranger Station.  The road is an old gravel, logging road but in good condition.  After a few km you arrive without any pomp or circumstance at the border to the US of A. 

Where do you scan your Nexus card?

A small A frame cabin serves as the Ranger Station and visitors are required to check in and pick up back country camping permits before entering the recreation area.  We had the pleasure of meeting Park Ranger Jeff.  What a great guy!  Clearly he loved his job and was thrilled to share his considerable knowledge of the park with us.  You can't beat local knowledge, so of course we asked for his recommendation on a campsite.  Although the campsites are all wonderful, he suggested the Lodgepole site...and we were not disappointed. 

Hozomeen Ranger Station - Jeff's Office

We did laugh, as when describing the Lodgepole campsite he said there were a stand of Lodgepole pine trees that looked much different than the rest of the trees.  He told us there was absolutely no way we could miss the campsite.  Famous last words?  After paddling 17km along the heavily treed shoreline we came to the conclusion that for a Forestry Major and Park Ranger, the trees may look distinctive, but for us city folk, it ain't quite as clear.

Lodgepole 

We were in shock and awe for the entire paddle!  We only saw one other canoe and 2 power boats on the entire lake.  The campsites were deserted and we found ourselves alone in paradise!  The lake is spectacular...clear water, majestic forests and views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.  The National Park Service website claims that the area features over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields, and is  is one of the snowiest places on earth and the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.  

The Glacier beckons

Come July, this lake is known to be a fisherman's paradise.  We saw fish by the thousands, or maybe millions, swimming along under our boats as we paddled.  Not quite the size fisherman are seeking, but we enjoyed watching them dart in and out of the rocks.

Underwater shot - fish by the millions

The final push to the campsite became quite challenging, as true to form the afternoon winds picked up and we found ourselves in a bit of battle against Mother Nature.  We eventually found the Lodgepole site and enjoyed a stunning sunset and star filled evening.

Rob stores the food in the bear cache

Lake front view lot

Morning visitor

We woke with the sun and were greeted by the deer, who were out for an early morning nibble.  Conditions looked perfect, so we crawled out of the tent, enjoyed a lake front breakfast and jumped in our kayaks.  Once again we were treated to calm waters...like glass!  We decided to cross to the western edge of the lake and begin our paddle back.  We were not disappointed as we were treated to a series of waterfalls, each one more majestic than the last.

Just one of many waterfalls

It was a sensory experience as we neared the falls.  We were greeted by the sound of the cascading water.  As we drew closer, the temperature dropped and we were soaked by the mist coming off the falls.  It was a welcome relief to the heat of the day and a sight that took our breath away.

Time for a swim!

We ended our trip with a swim in the lake and a promise to return....after all there are still 18 campsites waiting for us.

Giggle of the day:

We rounded the point and began to approach the Lighting Creek campsite when we noticed a full moon rising...and yes - it was broad daylight.  Another camper, also enjoying the solitude of the lake, took the opportunity to skinny dip.  We happened upon him in all his glory.  What could he do but smile and give us a wave.  We waved back!  As we stated earlier, the views in this Recreation Area are second to none.

Map and route tips:

Ross Lake is a reservoir with unpredictable water levels.  Winds can be strong, so it is best to get an early start when the winds are usually calmer.

Park Map

The eastern shoreline is better suited for inexperienced paddlers, as there are numerous take out points should the winds pick up and you find yourself in need of a rest.

Don't have a boat...but would still like to experience camping in the back country at Ross Lake?  The Ross Lake resort offers a water taxi drop off and pick up from any of the trail heads on the lake.

Getting There from Hope . .



#pnw #kayak #canoe #northcascades #rosslake #discoveroutdoors #unplugandplay #neckykayak

Are morning people happier?

At the risk of alienating my three children and night owls every where, I dare to ask the question:  are morning people happier?  Over the last few years, Rob and I have been conducting a study, albeit a totally unscientific and unsubstantiated study, but thought provoking none the less.  Now, I must confess to a personal bias.  My favourite time of the day is early morning.  I have always been and will likely always be a morning person.  Yes - one of those people who usually wakes up perky and ready to go, much to the annoyance of those around me.

Morning coffee on the beach - Broken Island Group

In my humble opinion, nothing is better than crawling out of tent, brewing that first cup of coffee and quietly sitting on the beach watching the world wake up. Thankfully, Rob is also a morning person....our biological clocks are in synch enabling us to share an early morning giggle and outing.

I would contend that we are not alone and hence the premise for my question.  As we hike, bike and paddle we have noticed over the years that the greetings from others on the trails are usually heartier and happier in the morning.  Have you noticed?

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Maybe the possibility of a new day and new adventure ahead leaves folk feeling optimistic or maybe as the day goes on the weight of the day, the to do lists and unfinished tasks begin to take their toll.  Whatever the reasons, I encourage you to join our study and help us to answer the question:  are morning people happier?

I am not sure if Ben Franklin was right when he said early to bed and early to rise makes a men healthy, wealthy and wise, but for me....early to rise means a good cuppa Joe is waiting.

Happy trails!

I'm their leader....which way did they go?

True Confessions:

I must be truthful! Rob usually crawls out of the tent first and gets the water boiling and the coffee brewing.  We have been hiking, paddling and cycling for as long as I can remember and over the years we have developed an easy rhythm around camp.  I contend that it is this rhythm and unspoken adherence to our roles and responsibilities that forms the basis of a happy trip (and maybe happy marriage?)  Rob braves the elements to get the coffee on, and I pack up the gear in preparation for the day ahead.  Maybe, if everyone on the trail could find someone like Rob to brew the coffee, we would all be morning people.

Family Camping at Alice Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia

Like all great adventures, it begins with a small idea that grows!  Our idea was to find something special to do this summer with our nephew's Thomas and Robbie. The opportunity to camp together was something we could not turn down and credit to their parents for being brave enough to set us loose in the outdoors with their boys!

Swimming area at Alice Lake Provincial Park

In true expedition fashion, the weekend began with a team organizational meeting.  I am sure you can relate to the discussions around group gear, food lists, emergency supplies etc.  If you have not included a "kid" in your planning meetings, I would encourage you to do so.  Children remind us all that it should be FUN.  As adults, we tend to fuss and fret over gear and logistics.  Adults quickly default to Maslow's hierarchy of needs as we systematically address our most basic needs first - food (s'mores) water (or wine/beer as the cause may be) and shelter (tent).  It was refreshing and thoroughly entertaining to listen as Thomas quickly summarized his needs and I quote:

• bikes
• baseball gloves 
• swimsuits

Really - what more could you need or want?

Ready for action!

As a team, we created a comprehensive food list, with long discussions around healthy vs. unhealthy food, and the pros and cons of bringing something not on our list.

Healthy do it yourself wraps made it on our list!

With much planning and preparation the departure day arrived and we ventured off.  In true Weiss fashion, we were in the car for less than 20 minutes when the heavens open up and it poured rain.

As with all Weiss vacations....it rained!

Of course based on the weatherman's forecast for a week of sun, we had excitedly thrown all of our gear in the back of the truck and really did not have a rain plan.  After three different road side stops we came up with the tarp burrito.  Reassured that our sleeping bags would stay dry we began the road trip to Alice Lake Provincial Park.

Calm afternoon at Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake Provincial Park is the perfect location for families looking for an introduction to camping. There are 96 vehicle accessible campsites located in the 396 hectare park.  The sites are set back in the forest away from the lake and are quite private.  The campground features a playground, bike and hiking trails, fishing and two sandy beach swimming areas.  Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent.

Relaxing by the swim area

 As I reflect on the weekend, I wish that more kids and teens had the opportunity to camp.  It was fantastic to observe Robbie and Thomas take ownership of our campsite and come together as a team to hang our tarp, put up the tent, chop firewood, fill up water bottles, make meals etc., etc.

Where does this pole go?

Success!

Master chefs at work

Boil in a bag breaky

It was fun to be "scared" together as we walked and cycled along the trails in bear country.  Watching the boys exploring the campsite, swimming in the lake, riding through the bike park and climbing trees reminded me of how important it is to provide kids with opportunities to explore and discover on their own.  The boys tackled each and every challenge we threw at them.  They were Rock Stars!

Evening dip at the lake

All the monkeys aren't in the zoo

Adventure playground

Creative problem solving....how to dry a sock

We had long conversations around the campfire and in the tent, answering deep questions like, "why does Rob snore, and exactly how many hairs does Rob have on his legs?"  (For those interested the answer is 4,321)  We had s'mores for breakfast dessert and debated why you don't usually get dessert with breakfast.

S'mores....enough said

 It seemed like a silly rule to us....in fact why can't you have breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast?  We all managed to turn off our electronics for the weekend and we enjoyed being outside and being together.  I reflected on how nice it is to simply chat....and I learned a lot!

What happens at the the campsite...stays at the campsite.

Giggle of the day:

Naturally, we woke up bright and early (or the BOYS woke up bright and early).  Rob, always an early riser, was already out of the tent and working on getting the first cup of Joe ready.  As Rob worked away outside, we lay in the tent, snuggled up in our sleeping bags and chatted away.  The boys were quite curious about my early camping trips with my mom and dad, and I delighted in sharing my memories with them.  One of my favourite memories was of my dad, always the first out of tent, bustling around the campsite.  He would chop wood, tidy and then with great pomp and circumstance announce that the HOT WATER was ready!  I could never really understand why he would leave the warmth and comfort of the tent to boil water.

Our chat quickly turned into banter, wiggles and giggles and as I tried to keep some semblance of order in the tent, I heard Rob exclaim, "NOW, I know why Grandpa always had hot water ready!"

Map and Route Tips:

Alice Lake Provincial Park is located off Highway 99 just 13km north of Squamish.  Reservations highly recommended!  Alice Lake is very popular with both campers and day- trippers.  Be sure to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.