Independence Lake-North Lake Trail

View from ridge between Independence and North Lakes

The road to the Independence Lake/North Lake trail was closed a few years ago due to washouts. The road has now been fixed but the trail has not received much maintenance since before the closure. We are going in to repair any damage that has occurred and work on improving the general condition of the trail. This will include tread repair, drainage, brushing, rock work and possibly some logout. The trail begins as an easy hike to Independence Lake and then ascends steeply up and over a ridge to remote North Lake.

This is an easy trail for beginners and small children. It has plenty of nice trees, and an attractive lake at 3/4 mile. In another 2 1/2 miles the trail reaches North Lake. Icy cold even in the summer, it is a nice place to dip your feet in, although the trail does not continue around the lake. You'll have to boulder and bushwack down. There are incredible views of Big Four Mountain, Monte Cristo Peaks and the Stillaguamish River valley as you drive up to the lake.

Driving directions:
From Seattle, drive north on I-5 to Everett and take exit 194 onto US 2. Drive 2 miles east on US 2 to Highway 204, which exits to the left (north). Follow Highway 204 to Highway 9. Turn left (north) on Highway 9 and follow it just past Lake Stevens to Highway 92. Turn right and follow Highway 92 eight miles to Granite Falls. At the end of town, turn left (north) onto the Mountain Loop Highway. (It is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to this point). Continue on the Mountain Loop Highway until the Verlot Public Service Center, and then keep going for an additional 15 miles. Turn left (north) onto the Coal Lake Road 4060, just before the Perry Creek bridge, and continue 4.8 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 1.75 hours.)