Independance Lake/North Lake

Hike Name: Independance Lake/North Lake Location: northwest WA Length: 8 Submitted by: Kirk Daniels Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Washington trail reviews Washington national parks Washington state parks
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Description
This is one of my favorite hikes. The trailhead is located at a relatively high elevation deep in the Cascades. The first mile and a half takes you through old growth forest up and down with about 500' to 1000'elevation gain. At the end of 1.5 miles is Independance Lake which features camping and fire facilities. The trail continues beyond Independance Lake rising sharply in a serious of switch backs. At the top of the switch backs are breathtaking views of Mt. Baker to the north. The hike continues upward to the top of a ridge where everything changes. From the ridge you can almost literally see the rainshadow effect take place. The upside to the ridge is extremely plush and dense while the downside of the ridge opens up with grassy meadows. The top of the ridge sports marvelous views of Glacier Peak and Mt. Ranier. The trails continues to the bottom of a basin in which rests North Lake. This hike is a very good overnight or an easy-going two nighter.

Directions to Hike
Interstate 5 to Exit 194. Highway 2 east to Route 9 north, then east on
US 92 to the town of Granite Falls. At the end of town make a left on
Mountain Loop Highway and drive about 4 or 5 miles to Verlot Public
Service Center. Then
continue east for another 16 miles just past the Big Four trailhead. The road to the trailhead is the first left after Big Four.

Contact Information
Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District (360)
436-1155

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