Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness

Noisy and Diobsud Creeks flow through this wilderness with ferns, mosses, salal, elderberry and salmonberry growing along the banks. Steep ridges rise abruptly to the northeast and southwest of the creeks, with Mount Watson topping out at 6,234 feet. Deep drainages carve through its forested slopes, with old-growth fir, cedar and hemlock growing in the lower elevations. You may encounter black-tailed deer, black bears, elk and northern spotted owls seeking refuge in the dense, shadowy forest. Alpine meadows open at the ridge tops. Annual precipitation reaches 150 inches.

The only trail access to this wilderness is by the Anderson/Watson Lakes Trail, a wonderful 2.3 mile hike to high alpine lakes. Near the wilderness boundary, the Anderson Lakes Trail leads to a small cluster of lakes outside the wilderness. The Watson Lakes Trail continues on into wilderness and ends at Watson Lakes. Both groups of lakes offer spectacular views of local peaks that are notoriously buggy in summer.

Congress designated the Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness in 1984 and it now has a total of 14,666 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Washington and is managed by the Forest Service. Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness borders the North Cascade National Park to the east.

Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.

Key access point: Watson Lakes Trailhead