Independence Lake / North Lake
(Trail #712)

HIKING / BACKPACKING

Distance: 1.4 miles to Independence round trip 6.4 miles to North round trip Hiking Time: I hour to Independence 4 hours to North

High Point: 4900 feet at pass above North Lake
Elevation Gain: 200 feet to Independence 1400 feet to North, 700 feet back
Maps: USGS Silverton, Helena Ridge Greentrails - Silverton #110

Independence Lake is a nice place to visit but fishing can be hazardous and become expensive if all you catch are the dead heads. There are many places to camp at the lake as well as on the ridge between the two lakes where a pond is located. North Lake is in a hole and drains to the north. The lake is only 10.6 acres but it sure is deep. Camping at the lake can be difficult.

Directions: From Verlot, drive east on Mt. Loop Highway 15.0 miles. Turn left (north) on Coal Lake Road #4060 and continue 4.8 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

 

Directions: From Darrington drive 7 miles north to the Suiattle River Road #26. Follow the road for 14.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left (north) and is signed.