Skagit River Loop

The Skagit River Loop is a short, easy hike in Ross Lake National Recreation Area in Washington, managed by the National Park Service. It sits about 0.8 miles from the town of Newhalem, making it an easy addition to a day spent in the area. The route is an out-and-back that covers about 2.1 miles round trip, with a total elevation gain of about 11 feet. The climb is nearly flat, with the steepest stretch at about 0.18 miles in, where the grade reaches about 4 percent. The low point is around 470 feet, and the high point is about 493 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Newhalem show July and August highs around 78 to 79°F, with only about seven wet days a month. Winter is much wetter and cooler, with highs in the low 40s and snow on a few days a month from December through February. Several other outings are close by. The Newhalem Crk CG to Visitor Ctr hike starts just 0.1 mile away, and the To Know a Tree Trail is about 0.2 mile off. Goodell Creek Campground is about 0.6 mile away, and the Skagit River offers paddling about 2.5 miles from the loop.