Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
The first three miles of trail are not only sustained and steep, but also quite open and exposed. There is no water until for these first few miles, so be sure you have enough.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
Hiking up along the rocky cliffs of Whiskey Mountain, keep an eye out for mountain goats on the higher cliff bands.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
The rockiest part of the trail has seen a remarkable amount of maintenance, making this upper talus field and smooth and easy crossing.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
The intersection between the Whiskey Mountain and Ross Lakes Trails will blissfully signal the end of your climbing (for now).
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
As you hike past this fork, the surrounding terrain shifts away from the dry and exposed rocks you've been crawling up...
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
...to a more lush and gentle terrain that leads toward the distant snowcapped peaks.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
If you go too early in the season, things might be a little too lush, and you'll find yourself facing soggy trail conditions.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
While some wet areas of trail are easy to bypass on solid ground, much of this stretch of trail wind through boggy meadow. If going before mid-July, plan on getting wet feet.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
The final meadow you cross before descending in the steel bowl around Ross Lake. Again, too early in the year and there will be no dry crossings here.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
Your first glimpse at Ross Lake.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
The unwelcoming but stunning shores of Ross Lake. Good camping is hard to find around its steep shores, but the large boulders tumbling into the water where the trail leads make for an excellent picnic or fishing spot.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/15/2021
Even on a 90 degree day, Ross Lake might have you pulling on your puffer. The cool breezes funneled by the walls and off the ice can be chilly!