Independence and North Lakes — Wednesday, Sep. 12, 2001

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The trail description mentions there is only one camp site at this lake however, after scouting around, I found several others. As you approach the lake at the end of the trail you will find two or three sites to the right (East) in the clump of tall evergreen trees. There are also several scattered through out the rock field to the left (West). Although they were not spacious they looked large enough to accomodate a one or two person tent. The trail description also mentioned the false side trail leading to some tarns. I was fooled by this too. After wandering around among the ponds I back tracked and found the real trail leading up to the ridge through a rock feild. The false trail is very distinct and the real trail is rather indistinct at the junction. That is what fooled me. Fish in the lake were feeding on insects but it was hard to tell how large they were. A very nice destination. The surrounding mountains and cliffs were pretty impressive. It was fun to watch the shadows climb the rock faces at sunset.