Independence Lake Falls

RATING - 17.4

VR - 1.8 (Sm) HR - 3.0 SR - 12/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Trail

DIFFICULTY - Medium

LOCATION - Independence Lake Trail

TYPE - Segmented

HEIGHT - 50'

WIDTH - 15'

GPS - N48 07.516 W121 32.052

ELEVATION - 3850'

DIRECTIONS - Drive east from Granite Falls along the Mountain Loop Highway. Just before Barlow Pass, turn left onto FR 4060, Coal Lake Road. Follow the road to its end at the Independence Lake Trailhead. The trail leads to the lake in a little over a mile. From the campsites on the north end of the lake, head north through the woods towards the sound of the falls. You can also follow the stream bed up to the base if you want to get closer.

This little waterfall occurs on the inlet stream about 500' upstream from Independence Lake. The falls can be clearly heard from the camp sites at the lake and can be seen by wandering through the woods towards the sound. The volume of water was very low when we visited in August, but I would imagine the waterfall could be pretty impressive when the snow is melting. Visit for the gorgeous lake, but you might as well check out this little waterfall while you're there.

There are some cascades at the outlet of the lake and I'm sure there are legitimate waterfalls on the stream as well. It's a pretty small creek though, so I have always had it low on my list.