Desolation Peak is located on the east side of Ross Lake, along the border with the Pasayten Wilderness. There is a lookout tower atop Desolation, which is still manned by the park service. actually the lookout is a historical site, having been the inspiration to numerous authors, including Jack Kerouac and his book, “Desolation Angels”.
The hike from the lake shore to the summit is 4,500 feet gain in 4.5 miles and there is an official camp near the summit.
Desolation Peak from Ross Lake
Desolation Peak Lookout
Ross Lake from Desolation Peak, Sunrise
Ross Lake from Desolation Peak
Ross Lake Sunset
Ross Lake Sunset
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 
Stunning landscape images… really tough to pick one over the other 🙂
The first one and fourth are my favorites 🙂
Amazing pictures! The light is really awesome!!
Quite fabulous! 🙂
Beautiful images and quite a hike to get them I imagine.
The hike was not bad, and we rode a boat to the trail head at lake’s edge…so a fun trip!
Sounds great and I like the idea of a boat, saves walking.
Stunning images. 😀
Beautiful images! What time of year you take this trip?
Thank you!
This trip was on July 11th.
Though generally the snow does not melt atop Desolation until the end of July.
Absolutely gorgeous.