North Lake Trail is a strenuous 3.2 mile hike. The trail begins at the end of the Coal Lake Road #4060 off the trail to Independence Lake and ends at North Lake. At the northeast end of Independence Lake, the trail climbs up the hillside switchbacking for 1 mile until it reaches a ridge. From the ridge, hikers can look to the north with views of Three Fingers Mountain and Mt. Baker. The trail continues to the east for 0.5 mile and reaches a second ridge with a views of Glacier Peak and North Lake lying in a basin 700 feet below. At this point, one can descend to the lake where there are limited campsites.

Directions: From Verlot, Travel east on the Mt. Loop Hwy. 15 miles. Turn left on Coal Lake Road #4060 and continue for 4.8 to the trailhead to Independence Lake.

Elevation: 3,600 feet

Ending Elevation: 4,100 feet

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Distance: 3.2 miles

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Strenuous

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