Yellow Pages
This hike is longer than it used to be.
Coal Lake Road is closed at Beaver Creek Crossing, about three miles from the trailhead, making a once two-mile hike now about five miles.
You can still get to the lake. It just takes a little more effort.
The trailhead is marked. Make sure to read the trail reports to see what’s been happening along its length.
Distance: 5 miles
Destination: Independence Lake
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Getting there: Highway 9 south to Granite Falls. From just east of Granite Falls, take Mountain Look Highway east toward Verlot. At about 26 miles, turn north (left) on Coal Lake Road. Take it until it ends, then hike to the trailhead.
The Trek: The trail begins with a rocky, steep stretch that switchbacks up into the forest.
Once in the forest, take note of the large conifers that inhabit the slope.
In a short distance, the trail goes from rock and root to dirt and root-strewn. Those with weak ankles will want to proceed with caution. There are plenty of hazards for those not fleet of foot.
A steep pitch leads down into a drainage. Hop across a rocky but dry stream bed to pick up the trail again.
The trail continues downward into a marshy area with fields of devils club. Cross a small babbling stream, stepping onto a gravel footbridge before climbing upward.
Though the trail is short, it does have some solid hills.
The pitches go from steep to steeper. At a large tree round, the trail bends left.
Take time to peer upward through a break in the trees at the sheer cliffs looming high above.
The final pitch to the top is brutal.
Steep and rocky, it gets the heart going. Once the top is achieved, the views of Independence Lake are impressive. It lies at the base of a cliff, nestled among trees and rocks.
Its greenish-blue waters reflect the surroundings. Peaks shimmer and clouds slowly make their way across the undisturbed canvas of water.
There are several campsites along the shore.
To walk around the lake, simply continue to follow the trail. You’ll have to use some fancy footwork while crossing a large log jam. The jumbled mass clogs the lake’s outlet stream. There are plenty of logs both in and out of the water.
While hiking around the lake, keep a sharp eye out for bees. There are several large nests whose inhabitants may be a bit uneasy.
Besides the bees, a rather picturesque meadow is encountered at the lake’s north end.
Independence Lake
Vince Richardson
The surrounding terrain reflects off Independence Lake.
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