and hike-in campsites around the lake. Backcountry camping permits (free, first-come, first-served) are required, and may be obtained from the National Park Service in Marblemount. The lake is also home to a floating resort called the Ross Lake Resort. Made up of several dozen cabins and bunkhouses, it is situated approximately a quarter mile from the dam and rests entirely on log booms. During the winter, when lake levels shrink, the resort detaches from its shore moorings and relocates to the center of the lake. This is due to lower water levels caused by annual drawdowns of the lake for flood control of the Skagit River. A road from the Canadian side of the lake ends just inside the US. Travelers do not have to report to an official Port of Entry (as required at the nearby Pacific Crest Trail crossing), as they must reenter Canada to leave. Climate Ross Lake has a mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). See also Diablo Lake Skagit River Hydroelectric Project Ross Lake Fault References External links National Park Service website for Ross Lake National Recreation Area Chronology of Skagit River dams from the Skagit Valley Herald Upper Skagit Watershed Photograph Project from Seattle Municipal Archives Canada–United States border Canadian Cascades Lakes of the Lower Mainland International lakes of North America Lakes of British Columbia North Cascades of Washington (state) Ross Mountain lakes Lakes of Whatcom County, Washington Protected areas of Whatcom County, Washington Reservoirs and dams in National Park Service units