Independence and North Lakes — Wednesday, Jul. 9, 2025

I was part of a 6 person team who came out for 4 days/3 nights to do some repair work on the trail up to Independence Lake. Our monumental project was to build a small rock structure to support the trail where it's been suffering a lot of erosion. Multiple other projects to get organic material off the trail from some fallen trees, removing a few trip hazards, improving drainiage and getting a few logs off the trail. We moved a lot of material to accomplish these goals and hope you find the trail in good condition on your next hike.

The hike is not terribly long, just over a mile to the end of Independence lake where the larger camping area is with a pit toilet. There are sections that are nice and flat and a few locations that are steep but for maybe 10 steps. Our hike in took a little over 30 min carrying our fully burdened packs. 

Once you reach the lake you will have to cross a few logs to continue to the farther camping area. As you can see in our group photo those logs are neatly  placed to make your crossing not so daunting.  This spot is also great for collecting water. It has less "junk" in it as compared to the other end of the lake. Once you leave the log crossing a few more short climbs and then you descend down into the grassy area on the way to the larger camping area. 

It's a beautiful location and you can day or overnight this one easily. Things to bring on your summer hikes, BUG NETS, bug deterrents and your arsenal of bug bite remedies. I visited this location in late May when there was still snow and there were no bugs then but with a large pool of standing water and a marshy shoreline, it's just ripe for bugs. 

The trail was busiest on Saturday and if you can visit on a weekday you may be the only car in the parking area. The parking area is smaller and does not have a bathroom, the last bathroom is at the Coal Lake parking area about 1/4 mile before. The road up to the trailhead, is narrow in a lot of locations with blind turns so please approach all turns with additional caution.