Ross Lake National Recreation Area | Washington National Parks

Ross Lake National Recreation Area - Washington National Parks. Join my daughter and I as we hiked the Diablo Lake Trail and visited the Washington Pass Overlook. Mid-June 2021.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO US ON KZbin:
goo.gl/PWjnfX
LIKE - COMMENT - SHARE - SUBSCRIBE!!!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
FACEBOOK: / americasparks1
INSTAGRAM: / americasparks
Check out our MERCH here: teespring.com/stores/americas-parks
Hit the BELL next to “subscribe” so you don’t miss a video!
Thanks for traveling with us and God bless!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. PLEASE help support AMERICAS PARKS through our AMAZON ASSOCIATES links below at NO EXTRA COST to yourself. Just click any link below and use the search bar to do your normal Amazon shopping. Thanks!
Our PRIMARY GEAR as of Season 6 - SPRING 2021:
Panasonic Lumix G9: amzn.to/2LmRlGI
Panasonic Lumix LX-10: amzn.to/2A5Et1u
DJI Mini 2 Drone w/Fly More: amzn.to/3r77LVG
GoPro HERO 7 Black: amzn.to/2N3lL2V
Insta360Onex2 360 Camera: amzn.to/3vYMxw0
Leica Vario 12-60mm Lens: amzn.to/2NTGp58
Rode VideoMic GO: amzn.to/3j8G8ZH
Rode DDC-GO DeadCat Wind Shield: amzn.to/2NNrbAC
Magnus DLX-367 Tripod: amzn.to/2MLAdgY
Jobe Tripod: amzn.to/3fuXn5j
Insta360 Selfie Stick (27.56in): amzn.to/34HhfxV
Insta360 Extra Long (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3uLXIqP
Quickpod Selfie-Stick: amzn.to/2HWhw4U
Gregory Zulu 30 Liter Backpack: amzn.to/35fb829
Nemo Disco Insulated Down Sleeping Bag 15: amzn.to/3cgeAQ1
Jetboil Zip Camping Stove: amzn.to/3qFmKFY
Black Diamond Z Trekking Poles: amzn.to/2Q1Z3L0
Eureka Tetragon Tent: amzn.to/31cyqUw
Aquamira Frontier Straw: amzn.to/2N75AS7
Shoe Yakktax Chains: amzn.to/2N75Kcb
Solar Shower: amzn.to/2A1Qi8M
Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool: amzn.to/303LkD5
Gerber Bear Grylls Knife: amzn.to/2Ln3V8S
Brooks Men's Caldera 4 Trail Runners: amzn.to/36uOBl2
Drymax R-Gear Crew Socks amzn.to/2NZWFE1
Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Pillow: amzn.to/2NSbBBP
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp: amzn.to/2OkBIzZ
Adidas XL Travel Bag: amzn.to/34BZEWI
5L SealLine Dry Bag: amzn.to/2LnyX0n
Synergy Endorphin Wetsuit: amzn.to/2PZu8Pm
Kreedom Polarized Captain Sunglasses: fortresseyewear.com
#RossLakeNationalRecreationArea
#WashingtonNationalParks
#DiabloLake

[@doncamp1150]

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful country.

[@AmericasParks]

That is so true, my friend! Glad you have "eyes to see" these special things God had created!

[@josephbradshaw3294]

I feel emotional watching this... Perhaps it's the perfect blend of music and scenery

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Joseph, your comment meant a lot to me! Always try to keep the videos genuine and a fair representation of our experience in these incredible environments. Take care!

[@jodysmith6065]

"The mind gives in before the body gives out". I love it! Thanks for sharing another adventure with us, Randy and Natalie!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Jody! Happy to hear you enjoyed the video (and my silly sayings) :)

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

True. Studies show that you still have about 60% physical capacity after the mind says quit.

[@juliesmith444]

I’ve never even heard of this park. The mountains and lakes are unreal. What a place to enjoy God’s beauty!

[@AmericasParks]

Amen, Julie! :)

[@ChrisWalker-yr4cv]

Hi Randy, great post! I was on the Canadian side of Ross lake last year and it was just as breath taking. keep up the good work always a pleasure to watch your videos when you post.

[@padmajad1719]

Wow...interesting to learn that Ross Lake has Canadian side too. Thanks for letting us know👍

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Chris! Glad to hear you have experienced this gem!

[@the_personthatate5264]

I went backpacking here, it’s so beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

Nice to hear! Totally agree with you on the beauty!

[@OhMyThagaval]

I am from Seattle and this is one of my favorite spot for every summer. During summer, Diablo lake looks awesome with its pure blue color. Good work America's Park. You have captured the true beauty of the North cascades. Cheers to Dad and Daughter combo.

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate the kind words! You know, I have traveled all over the US and I have to say (now based on the comments from the last 7 videos) that the locals from WA state not only love their state the most, but have demonstrated to me the warmest hospitality.

[@GlobetrotterPiya]

I have been following you for more than a year now and watching your videos is like gaining a positive vibes to the mind… Thanks for sharing such beautiful content every time. I plan travel after watching your videos… i have also started making videos but in my native language. Great follower of yours 😄

[@AmericasParks]

That was a very beautiful comment! Appreciate your warm heart and all the best with your travels/videos!

[@Chillaxing113]

Great video of a beautiful park! Thank you for taking us along.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Debra! Hope you have a great week!

[@phiw4157]

Really glad to have found your channel before our trip out to Washington from the UK in a couple of months time. The to do list just grew. Great videos, with great information. Thanks Randy & Natalie

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear you have found the videos useful! Enjoy your trip to WA!

[@TheLegendaryBM]

Your filming has become so awesome! I love it. The videos are so genuine and you are becoming quite the film maker haha

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! Always trying to improve so greatly encouraged by your kind words! Have a super week!

[@brianvititoe8721]

Love the content of your hiking, and the beauty of the love that you guys share as Father, and daughter! BFF'S

[@AmericasParks]

Really kind of you, Brian! Appreciate your heart!

[@matthiasjurcik3871]

a really amazing park, so much great nature to see

[@AmericasParks]

Sounds like you have visited this one!

[@JP-kr5yi]

Thank you for sharing your trips and inspiring us to go explore. You and your daughter are amazing

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear you are enjoying the videos! Appreciate your kind words!

[@monte5252]

Thanks for sharing this little corner of the country with others. Happy you guys had a great time here..

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Gordon, thank you... and yes, so many good memories we'll always cherish.

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

First off Randy congratulations on hitting 40,000 subscribers! It's been so amazing to watch your excellent channel grow over the years! Yeah the Ross Lake Area definitely looks quite beautiful. Great series on the Washington National Parks and I appreciate all the detail you put into them!

[@AmericasParks]

Your words of encouragement are always a blessing to me, Eric!

[@maurymania1]

Wow what an amazing video!!! You guys made my mind flying throughout these wonderful sights. Thanks for sharing guys, I loved your adventure.

[@AmericasParks]

Really enjoyed the comment, thank you!

[@biancasadventures8463]

Absolutely beautiful - thank you so much for sharing this video. I really enjoyed it

[@AmericasParks]

Really happy to hear that, Bianca!

[@potatothorn]

so many beautiful scenes!! the color of those northern lakes is stunning

[@AmericasParks]

Absolutely! That water color up in the Cascades was stunning! Enjoy your weekend!

[@3091181]

I was there a couple months ago. Incredible place. The gorges on the way there are spectacular.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! Glad to got to experience this special gem!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, so happy you and Natalie love the sword fern and all our native plants in the forest, that is what makes up our backyard garden at our home. You were treated to some magnificent views of the North Cascade range that not many get to see. . . . and have convinced me that June is the month to visit - - even when waiting for the pass to open (and in early October when the vine maple turn color). There is a group of cars (many the same drivers every year) who celebrate the opening when the gate is unlocked. THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ALONG ON THE HIKE, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the insights, Mike! A little cool and rainy, but relatively very few people.

[@DestinationEarth]

Wow, those are some big peaks in that park! Really stunning views along this trail. Well, I think the views were worth hiking up that closed road! Wow!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Josh! Was determined to get to the top one way or another!

[@darlenestout7548]

Wow what a awesome place, thanks for sharing. Love the drone shots. So cool 😎

[@AmericasParks]

Hey, Darlene! Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@Carolann_237]

Every video is more and more breathtaking views!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that, Carol - nice to finish the Washington series on a high note! Thanks for watching!

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy and Natalie for another very beautiful National Recreation video. You two are amazing and so Blessed... Robin :-)

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you, brother! Hope all is well with you amidst these difficult times.

[@lesliesmith7835]

@@AmericasParks Thank you Randy. I'm doing well despite the fact that America and the rest of the world is in such chaos. I'm also one of 90 million people that refuses to get the jab.... I'm looking forward to hiking in Zion NP on Monday, August 30th..... God Bless the wonderful Smith family !!!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Park's Randy & Natalie! The hike was ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR with such lush vegetation and the beautiful lake. I'm surprised that there was snow on the ground in Mid June. I really enjoyed watching this video and can't wait to see what's next👍👍👍👍!

[@AmericasParks]

Always bless by your kind words, Al! Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

[@debbiball6636]

We love going on these hikes with you.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Debbi! It's a pleasure to have you with us!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Absolutely beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Jymn, hope you guys are having a fantastic trip! Enjoy Ross Lake!!

[@NickandRachel]

Really like that 360 camera! Looks really cool when you're surrounded by all the trees. Really nice Drone footage in this one as well! Congrats on 40K well-deserved!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Nick! Yeah the 360 cam wasn't too expensive, not too difficult to learn and it adds a new perspective.

[@jerryphillips7330]

Your daughter Natalie is so positive the way she interacts with you. You are blessed to have such a wonderful daughter.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Jerry! Happy you made that observation and very grateful for her!

[@garyallen6486]

Thanks so much for featuring the PNW parks- love all of your content! We have lived in the Seattle area for 6 years and only finally made it up to the Northern Cascades/Ross Lake area this summer (only a few weeks after you it seems, haha). No snow at the Pass- but really breathing views. Keep up the amazing work sir. you have an awesome family- my wife and I love seeing you all together (that’s what it’s all about my friend). 😉

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Gary, just read your kind words to my wife - thanks for the great encouragement, my friend! Appreciate your heart and wish you the best!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Beautiful day with the sun out for the first trails without snow. Those chains! I've heard of the 400 year grand solar min. This video being filmed in June makes me feel that weather and those changes. Beautiful views and experiences. Congratulationson 40k!!

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! You guys enjoy the rest of your week!

[@CampTravelExplore]

Just Wow on those drone shots!! I love that you do such epic hikes on your visits!! Great Work guys!!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, brother! Plan to keep doing them as long as the body holds out for me!

[@jimholland1592]

I love it thanks y’all amazing 👍

[@AmericasParks]

All the best to you, brother!

[@MONATOLOGY]

Amazing park to watch. The views are breathtaking. Thanks for sharing this awesome video. Very impressive.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@RetirementTravelers]

The color of glacier fed lakes is so beautiful. Thanks for taking us on a great hike. It feels like we have already exercised today. 🤣 Great that you get to spend time with your daughter. Safe travels and blessings to you. John and Bev

[@AmericasParks]

Hi John and Bev, hope you guys are doing well! All of God's best to you for safe and memorable travels!

[@MarkH163]

What beautiful scenery, and look at you Randy with that cool-looking creative 360 camera footage, awesome!! I really like the drone footage that you get, too (not in national parks of course)!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, Mark ! :) Enjoy the rest of your week!

[@birdman5223]

Wow👍🏻

[@AmericasParks]

Such an impressive state, Mark!

[@adventureawaits5003]

Awesome waterfall and tres coverage that place is awesome. Shot very well.👍

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind and uplifting remarks!

[@RobertLWard]

sorry it took so long to leave you a comment bud. enjoying a little home time now. loved those epic drone shots! that complex was the favorite if our 2015 trip hands down. great edit as usual! can't wait to see what else you may have planned!

[@AmericasParks]

Welcome home, Robert! Just back from northern Minnesota and uploaded the first video. Enjoy your break!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

What a stunning area, great place to hike and I love that tree bridge. The moody skies over the snow covered mountains were breath-taking, shame the weather did not always play ball but with views like that - who cares! Cheers Alan

[@AmericasParks]

Great stuff, Alan! Tough to call the weather in the Pacific NW in June. Would have liked better, but it kept aways the crowds.

[@jameshouse1268]

This is such a beautiful, relaxing video. 😊hopefully, since Natalie wasn’t keen on your jet-boil Ramen, you didn’t pull out the “tried and true” tuna packets!! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful place. Take care always.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, James! Had some fun with the Ramen jokes, but took good care of her food consumption on this trip! lol! Take care!

[@silvioserrano2824]

A incredible place .. you are a lucky guy! Contratulations from Brasil.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Silvio! All the best to you!

[@overlandersnorthwest]

Great

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you!

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

Another great video!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words! All the best!

[@MichaelYoungblood1]

Nice closeout to this series Randy. I know you had your struggles with the weather and conditions on this trip. As always, you made the best of it and didn’t let that deter you. What a wonderful trip experiencing God’s creation and having that time with your daughter. I am guessing that Diablo Lake Trail was not a shoreline walk. If I get out this way, I may just rely on your video for that one.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the encouraging words! Tough to stay upbeat when the weather is not what you were desiring. :) Trusting the Lord that His ways with creation are perfect. We still had a great time. And yes, that trail (in this video) is primarily interior until you hit the lake view near the end.

[@HuzaifaKhan-iy5qj]

Everything is beautiful, landscape, sceneries and everything thing, love from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! Warm greetings back from the USA!

[@padmajad1719]

Am planning to go there next week🤩

[@AmericasParks]

Sweet - have a fantastic time!

[@violetjadejazmin826]

Diablo lake,the name of the place make me scared.but then the place beautifull and very relaxing.thanks for sharing keep it up

[@AmericasParks]

So true... Strange name for such a beautiful place! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Nice work Man! Great camera movement revealing an amazing place! Skillfully done edit too! Cheers!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, buddy! Shot much of it on the iPhone - primarily because it was the finally day and I was lazy. Not super-pleased with the video quality as the plastic shield over my lens was distracting from a clear view. Just bought a new case (w/o a covering over the lens) and plan to use the Lumix more in the future. Take care!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Definitely, fooled me. . .kinda. . I did know it was the phone since the movement was so nice but I thought the quality was good aside from that one big arcing flare, I get that without a cover too but the sun has to be just right to do it. . .

[@AmericasParks]

@@KarlDeckerPresents Respect your "eye" so encouraged to read that - more at peace now! lol! That "lifeproof" case is nice b/c it's waterproof, but it was killing my shots.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

@@AmericasParks and your phone is waterproof to like 10 ft or so. I like the tasteful movement and quality edit even over the slightly better image quality. Maybe that's a videographers point of view but those elements take more skill and planning. . . with the big cam nothing less then a tripod works out too well much of the time as you know. . .and I definitely never thought, "what's up with that poor video" aside from that one big flare and only because the EXACT same thing just happened to me on an epic shot. . . video coming soon, lol. Looks like you're getting a feel for the drone too, definitely does not have to be death defying, just well planned with some land marks memorized. BIG WORD of advice on that, as you know the dynamic range sinks the mini. . .if you are forced to shot in a direction that presents both bright and dark, commit to one or the other and the picture will improve dramatically. For me, if I'm forced to shot a mountain with the sun behind, I generally gimbal down so a minimum of blown out sky is in frame and then the mini can get the exposure right of the actual subject. . . the shadowed mountain, call me if you want me to elaborate. . .

[@AmericasParks]

@@KarlDeckerPresents Appreciate all that!

[@danielstevens3372]

We moved from AZ to Washington and couldn't believe how steep the terrain is here trails are a step above and usually super crowded

[@AmericasParks]

Something really special about Washington, Daniel. I know the folks there really love their state. All the best to you!

[@bobross9623]

Thanks for part 2 of Ross Lake area. Make sure you treat Natalie to a nice steak instead of Ramen noodles for her commentary! In my last response, I told you I planned to go to Delaware Water Gap NRA. Well, I had a slight change of plans & went with my new friend Sharon who I recently met on a trail. We went to the Austin T Blakeslee Natural Area along the Tobyhanna Creek in the Poconos and also the nearby Thos Darling Jr Natural Area. Sharon works for the National Parks Conservation Association so we have a lot in common! Strange how coincidences can have wonderful results.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Bob, really happy for you! All the best!

[@elcoreelcore]

Brilliant scenery! I’ll pass on ramen lol

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Can't blame you! Fun times that day!

[@jimgreen5788]

Wow, Randy. You got some real bang for your buck on that trip with Natalie. What is this, video #5 from that trip? Re. the snow in June, on my way back home from Alaska in '84, I stopped at Glacier N.P., and at Logan Pass, I ran into a howling snowstorm, and 6 ft. + drifts which had been cut and snowblown weeks earlier by one of those massive snowblower tractors like what you saw at 6:31--on June 21, i.e., first day of summer.

[@AmericasParks]

Wow, what a story, Jim! Those always make for some of the best memories! Starting the MN uploads today. Great time up there with Julie and Shane. Have a wonderful week, my friend!

[@zapdiabetes]

If I had to pick 2 videos from your Washington Trip and pick what I thought was the best I’d say Steheken and this video here. Going into this trip I gather that isn’t what you were thinking would be. Funny how things turn up sometimes. I feel there is more going on here than just your experience going to the NP sites. I hope you and Natalie had a good time. Side bar..... When I just did the 7 national parks trip.... the very last day at Arches I was burned out. I wondered does Randy ever need a break from the NP trips and need to do something else? I got till Sept 25th till the next park lol.

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoyed the insights! Always nice to know which videos were most enjoyed - interesting, b/c I thought this one might be the least favorite for other people! lol! And yes... around day 7-8, I am done with the hiking/camera works and ready to go home!

[@angieba6600]

👍🏻😍

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@NathanJones-sf5js]

You gotta get up to Desolation Peak sometime

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks! Made a note.

[@mariakristinaandres4656]

Me and my husband love watching all your videos, unfortunately our kid is only 2 y/o so can't really do that much hiking yet, but soon! If you don't mind what kind of contraption are you using for the 360 view on your video? Thanks a bunch!

[@AmericasParks]

Really encouraged by your kind words! I started taking my kids on full NP trips when they turned 9. Before that we did some great family adventures - more local and less intense. Here is the 360 camera I use: Insta360Onex2 360 Camera: amzn.to/3vYMxw0

[@AmericasParks]

I also have the "disappearing" 3 foot and 10 foot selfie sticks.

[@exploringidaho]

After your time in Washington state visiting the national parks did your opinion change of them or of the state? What's your favorite of them and why?

[@AmericasParks]

Good question! Was actually there with a different daughter in 2013 so much of it was familiar. Did appreciate the people and really tough to find that unique look anywhere else in the US.

[@jesshughes776]

ANOTHER IDEA FOR YOU. TRY HIKING AROUND GOLF COURSES. DAY OR NIGHT. STUNNINGLY BEUTIFUL LANDSCAPES.

[@AmericasParks]

They are indeed... only problem is I usually have a club in my hand getting both frustrated and draining the wallet.

[@randywarnock2937]

It is ska.jit River. If you were from PNW you would know that it is NOT sca. Got River.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks... travel everywhere in the US. Do my best with the pronunciations, but unfortunately fall short at times.