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.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Maps:
- Green Trails: Lake Shannon 46, Mt. Baker Wilderness Climbing 13S
- Forest Service: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness
- USGS: Bacon Peak
A Washington State Sno-Park Permit is required at the Anderson Creek Sno-Park leading into this area December through April.
A valid Recreation Pass required at Watson Lakes Trailhead.
Treat all drinking water
Wilderness regulations apply within Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness.
- Trail is hiker only.
- A Washington state fishing license is required for fishing.
- Camping at Watson Lakes only allowed in designated sites.
- Campfires prohibited at Watson Lakes.
Getting There
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.
