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River Loop

Easy Easy
 4.2 (5)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. …North Cascades National Park
  5. Ross Lake National Recreation Area
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“An easy, flat loop with great views of the Skagit River. ”

Sarah Baker
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1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Point to Point

492' 150 m

High

472' 144 m

Low

22' 7 m

Up

23' 7 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

4%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is a nice, flat loop that any kid will enjoy.

Description

The loop starts near the Newhalem Creek Campground entrance station and amphitheater. The trail leads through a variety of forest growth to a peaceful gravel bar with sweeping views of the Skagit River. The trail gives access to Newhalem Creek Campground (loops A & B) and the To Know a Tree Trail.

Contacts

Local Club: Washington Trails Association (WTA)

Jan 6, 2026: Report reveals Forest Service suffering from staffing cuts, trails at lowest maintenance levels in 15 years

Jan 3, 2026: 29 hiking resolution ideas to find joy in 2026!

Dec 30, 2025: Hiker Headlines: A handful of highlights from 2025

Land Manager: NPS - North Cascades National Park

Shared By:

Sarah Baker
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#8

in Ross Lake National Recreation Area

#11346

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
80%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in Ross Lake National Rec…

#524

in Washington

#11,346

Overall
2 Views Last Month
578 Since Mar 1, 2016
Easy Easy
83%
0%
17%
0%
0%
0%

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2025
Anonymous
Aug 9, 2023
Jeremy R
Sep 7, 2022
Adam S
Easy enough and some variation in biomes 1.1mi
Jun 19, 2022
Scott Johnson
Danielle, Rhyan, Alex, & Chris 1.1mi
Sep 8, 2021
Scott S
Pleasant easy walk through some old forest along the skagit river. 1.4mi — 0h 45m
Aug 29, 2021
Mark Lee
Jul 19, 2021
Kristy Van
non river trail in burn area. how recent? river beautiful blue green and strong current
Jun 23, 2021
Emily Izmirian

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Stewarded by Washington Trails Association (WTA)
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