Lightning Creek Trail
Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, WA
Out-and-back trail in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, WA. Hiking & Horseback riding.
- Distance
- 5.1 mi (8.2 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 666 ft (203 m)
- Est. Time
- 2 hr
- High point
- 2,293 ft (699 m)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Out & back
Along the way
- Campsite: Deerlick Camp 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from start
- Campsite: Nightmare 5 mi (8 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Lightning Creek Trail
How long is Lightning Creek Trail?
Lightning Creek Trail is 5.1 mi (8.2 km) long. Most people take about 2 hr. It climbs 666 ft (203 m) in total, up to a high point of 2,293 ft (699 m).
How hard is Lightning Creek Trail?
GoTrails rates it Moderate, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Lightning Creek Trail?
No parking mapped: check before you drive.
Are there water and toilets on Lightning Creek Trail?
No water mapped: bring all you need. No toilets mapped.
Is Lightning Creek Trail shaded?
Mostly shaded (98% under trees).
What can you do on Lightning Creek Trail?
Best for Hiking. Also: Horseback riding. Shared with horses. Surface: dirt.
Is this a good week for Lightning Creek Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Lightning Creek Trail
- Castle Pass Pasayten Wilderness · Expert · 17.8 mi (28.7 km)
- Desolation Peak Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Expert · 12.9 mi (20.7 km)
- East Bank Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Expert · 15 mi (24.1 km)
- Lightning Creek Camp Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.7 km)
- Devil's Creek Camp Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.2 mi (0.4 km)
- Devil's Junction Camp Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.6 mi (0.9 km)
- Hozomeen Lake Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 1.1 mi (1.8 km)
- East Bank Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Expert · 17.9 mi (28.9 km)
More hikes in Ross Lake National Recreation Area
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap