The day after our challenging overnight backpacking trip up to Thornton Lake, I was looking for something a little simpler. I still wanted to experience sleeping out under the stars for a night without sacrificing beautiful views and a fun hike. Asking for a recommendation from a park ranger, he suggested Green Point, the easiest backpacking trip in North Cascades NP.
Where is Green Point?
Centrally located within North Cascades National Park is the Green Point backcountry campsite. At just over a mile from Ross Dam, Green Point is based on the banks of Ross Lake. To camp at Green Point, you will need a backcountry permit. Learn more about how to get yours here.
Why Green Point is the Easiest Backpacking Trip in North Cascades
Green Point is the easiest backpacking trip in North Cascades NP because it’s reachable within a short hike with little elevation gain; a far cry from most of the backcountry campsites in the park.
Click here to read about Thornton Lake – an epic backpacking trip in North Cascades NP
Along with the easy distance for backpacking to Green Point, it also has direct accessibility to water from Ross Lake. Green Point is also great option for those with accessibility to boat-in camping.
For more information on the backcountry of North Cascades NP, click here
Hiking to Green Point
Distance: 2.7 Miles One-Way
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: +515 Feet
Best Time to Hike: June – October
Finding the Trailhead
The hike to Green Point follows the Ross Dam Trail. Parking for this trailhead is just off Highway 20, accessible from a parking lot at mile-marker 134 (get exact directions here).
Looking for another hike nearby? Check out the Maple Pass Trail here
From the parking lot, follow the trail to the southwest, first passing over a creek and a small waterfall. After a short mile of moderate switchbacks and a loss of elevation, we begin to see shades of blue peeking through the trees below.
Eventually the dirt trail will T into a gravel road lined with tall pine trees. Take a left and then a right for the Ross Lake Dam. From here, we’ll only have another 1.3 miles to Green Point.
Ross Lake Dam
Walking on top of the Ross Lake Dam, we can see Ross Lake to our right and the Skagit River to our left. Ross Lake was created with the construction of the Ross Lake Dam in 1949. Interestingly enough, the dam was supposed to be 100 feet taller but environmental issues delayed the process.
Continuing the Hike to Green Point
Once we cross the dam and the forest environment takes hold again, we eventually pass by a trail marker to the Ross Lake Resort. Popular with hikers and boaters alike, the Ross Lake Resort features a number of lakeside cabins for those seeking a tranquil experience. Along with lodging, they also offer boat rental options.
0.3 miles from here, we reach the next trail junction with a marker for Green Point. The hike down to camp is only another half mile. Along the way, the trees slightly open up to another glimpse at Ross Lake before descending down into the vibrant mossy-like environment where Green Point gets its name.
In what was no doubt the easiest backcountry hike I’ve done, we reach the Green Point campsite. With 5 different camp sites, a pit toilet, existing fire rings and bear boxes, we can see why this is an opportune spot for backcountry overnight trip.
Ross Lake
Perhaps the best part of camping at Green Point is the easy accessibility to the banks of Ross Lake. Acting as the perfect relaxation spot for those who just hiked in, it’s an opportune spot to watch the mountains in the distance hold on to the last light of day.
Want to hike to another lake in North Cascades? Read about Lewis Lake here
Before the sun goes down, breathe in that stunning scenery in the distance with some of North Cascades’ tallest peaks, rising as high as the Snowfield Peak at 8400 feet. If you’re lucky, you may catch a sea plane flying low above the water.
The real beauty of the entire experience takes hold after the sun disappears and night falls. Above the pine tree mountains in the distance, we can see the galaxy light up the sky with flares of shooting stars. These moments are why I crave getting out in the wilderness!
Before heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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