What is the current condition of the road to the Independence and North Lakes trailheads?

As of [October 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.191936815354), the last mile to the Independence Lake trailhead was under snow and ice, and hikers opted to walk. Prior to that, reports from [October 4](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-04.163727895173) and September 27 indicated the gravel section of the Mountain Loop Highway was getting worse and rough, but passable with attention. Most reports from August and September indicated the road was suitable for all vehicles if driven slowly.

Are there significant obstacles on the trails to Independence and North Lakes?

Reports from [October 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-18.131101564684), [September 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-28.025606007274), and August 28 mention trees down across the trail requiring crawling under or over. The trail to North Lake is also described as rugged and overgrown in places, with some sections requiring careful navigation and potentially a GPS.

Is Independence Lake suitable for swimming?

One report from [October 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-18.131101564684) mentions swimming in Independence Lake, finding it icy but invigorating. Another report from [September 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.195708925440) notes that the lake is surrounded by tall trees and a rock face, casting a significant shadow and making it feel cold/shady by late afternoon.

Are there any specific challenges for reaching North Lake?

The trail to North Lake involves a steep descent and ascent, [September 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-28.025606007274), and can be overgrown, making it hard to follow in places, [August 15](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-16.184606323133). Some minor scrambling and wayfinding may be required to get down to North Lake. As of October 31, there was significant evidence of avalanches on the trail to North Lake.

Independence and North Lakes

North Cascades

updated 1 week ago

The trail to Independence Lake remains largely snow-free, though recent reports from October 31 indicate snow and ice on the final mile of the road leading to the trailhead, requiring caution. The trail itself has minor obstacles like blowdowns, and some sections can be steep and rocky, particularly the descent to North Lake, which is described as rugged and overgrown in places. Fall colors were noted on the hillsides above North Lake as of October 4. Parking availability varies, with one report from September 18 emphasizing perpendicular parking to maximize space.

Generated from 32 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Independence and North Lakes

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of October 31, the last mile to the Independence Lake trailhead was under snow and ice, and hikers opted to walk. Prior to that, reports from October 4 and September 27 indicated the gravel section of the Mountain Loop Highway was getting worse and rough, but passable with attention. Most reports from August and September indicated the road was suitable for all vehicles if driven slowly.