Anderson Lake and Watson Lake Hike
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The hike to Anderson Lake and Watson Lake is an out-and-back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This trail is a great day trip, but expect to see many new backpackers heading to the campsites near the lake. This trail is rife with mosquitoes, so good spray is a must.
Take your time on the road to the trailhead, it’s very potholed.
Route Description for Anderson Lake and Watson Lake Hike
Anderson Lake and Watson Lake are the stars of this trail, but you’ll actually be able to enjoy 7 lakes on this pretty hike. It’s a wonderful first backpacking trip, but it also delivers as a moderate, scenic day trip. Be warned, though—the mosquitoes can be very bad on this trail.
The hike begins from the end of the forest road. Follow the obvious trail roughly southeast through the forest. At the first junction, stay left. At the second junction, both trails provide access to different parts of the lakes area. We recommend going left to check out Lower Anderson Lake, then backtracking and going to the right to see both Watson Lakes. The trail to your right en route to Watson Lakes leads to the Upper Anderson Lake Campsites.
Once you’re done exploring, get back on the main trail and retrace your steps to the parking area.
Getting to the Anderson Lake and Watson Lake Hike Trailhead
The trailhead for Anderson Lake and Watson Lake is at the eastern terminus of National Forest Development Road 1107.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Watson Lake Campsites, Upper Anderson Lake Campsites
When to do:
May-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Anderson Lake and Watson Lake Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Rainbow Ridge Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Rainbow Ridge Hike
Mount Baker
![Shannon Ridge Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Shannon Ridge Trail
Mount Baker
![Huntoon Point via Artist Point Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Huntoon Point via Artist Point Trail
Mount Baker
![Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Blue Lake and Dock Butte Trail
Mount Baker
![Park Butte Lookout Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Park Butte Lookout Trail
Mount Baker
![Baker Hot Springs Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Baker Hot Springs Hike
Mount Baker
![Sauk Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sauk Mountain Hike
Mount Baker
![Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach
North Cascades National Park
![Ptarmigan Ridge](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Mt.-Baker-Ptarmigan-Ridge-1920x480.jpg)
Ptarmigan Ridge
Mount Baker
![Lake Ann](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Mt.-Baker-Lake-Ann-1920x480.jpg)
Lake Ann
Mount Baker
![Artist Ridge](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Mt.-Baker-Artist-Ridge-1920x480.jpg)
Artist Ridge
Mount Baker
![Table Mountain](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-WA-Mt.-Baker-Table-Mountain-1920x480.jpg)
Table Mountain
Mount Baker