Anderson-Watson Lakes Trail 611
This is a family-friendly hike to beautiful sub-alpine lakes. The first mile gently winds through forest, into a lush open meadow and a junction with Anderson Butte Trail 611.1. Stay to the right to go to Anderson and Watson Lakes.
Continue on the main trail for a mile to a second trail junction at 4,700 feet. The trail to the right descends 0.5 miles to lower Anderson Lake at 4,500 feet or take a left at the second junction to climb .5 miles up to a saddle where the trail enters the Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness before dropping down to the two Watson Lakes at 4,400 feet. Both groups of lakes offer spectacular views of surrounding peaks and are notoriously buggy in summer.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | A Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required at the Anderson Creek Sno-Park leading into this area December through April. |
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Usage: | Heavy |
Best Season: | Late summer, fall. |
Restrictions: |
Wilderness regulations apply within Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness.
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Water: | Treat all drinking water |
Restroom: | Vault toilet at the trailhead. Mountain toilets near Watson Lakes and Anderson Lakes. |
Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass required at Watson Lakes Trailhead. |
Information Center: | Check current conditions or call Mt. Baker Ranger District, Sedro Woolley Office at 360-856-5700 extension 515. |
General Information
Directions:From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office Sedro-Woolley, WA follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 14 miles to the Baker Dam Road and turn right. Drive past the Puget Sound Energy Kulshan Campground and across the Upper Baker Dam. After crossing the dam, turn left on Forest Service road 1107. Follow road 1107 for 8 miles. Turn left on Forest Service road 1107022. The trailhead and parking area are located on the right.
General Notes:
Maps:
- Green Trails: Lake Shannon 46, Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
- Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
- USGS: Bacon Peak
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Elevation desc | Elevation gain/loss: +600/-400 feet to Watson and +500/-400 feet to Anderson Lakes |
Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Fire Information | No campfires at Watson Lakes. Please use backcountry stoves instead of campfires at Anderson Lakes. |