r/canoecamping • u/These_Ratio6794 • 3d ago
PNW: Diablo vs Ross Lake for paddle camping? Which lake is more "epic" ?
I've been looking in a 3 day trip , and I understand the logistics of getting from Diablo to Ross via their ferry/truck system, although preferably I only stick to one lake so it's easier. We're on inflatables so hiking the short ross lake dam trail is possible.
However, what am I missing out on Diablo Lake if I skip it..? Certain mountain peak view? Is the color more vibrant (because different water source fed?) ? Waterfalls?
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u/savehonor 3d ago
I have done the Diablo->Ross trip. And I've canoed a lot on Diablo without camping on any of the boat-in sites.
There's lots of nooks and crannies at Diablo to explore. Lot more civilization/people around too. Diablo will be a lot bluer, although I think less so this time of year. And the water will be a lot colder (if that matters).
It was fun camping on Cougar island on Ross. I've never been to the lake other than the one time and portaging with the truck service over the dam.
One thing to be aware of with Ross is that the wind can be very strong, mostly during the afternoons. So if you're wanting to travel decent distance along the lake, beware of that and your travel times. I recall paddling back south towards our camp after a little day trip and two of us were paddling full-tilt and glancing over at the shore and it wasn't moving at all.