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Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and hike-in only, Anderson and Watson Lakes sits within Mt. Baker National Forest and requires a Discover Pass left in your vehicle at the trailhead. The approach involves roughly 10 miles of pothole-filled gravel road before the approximately 2.5-mile hike in. Campsites at Upper Watson Lake are first-come, first-served, with flat ground on rock outcroppings along the lakeshore. Water is available from the lake and a nearby stream but must be treated. Fires are prohibited at Watson Lakes, and a mountain toilet is on-site. Campers wanting a drive-in alternative can look at Maple Grove a few miles west, or browse campgrounds near Marblemount for other options in the area.

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Map & DirectionsAnderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In is located in Washington near Marblemount

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

48.66967244 N
121.58501055 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2020

Scenic, lake-side sites with fantastic views

There are only two downsides to this campground--bugs during the summer and prohibitions on fires at Watson Lakes. If you can overcome those issues, the views alone make the camping at the second of the Watson lakes well-worth it. You'll also need a discover pass (Day ~$10, Annual ~$30) to keep in the dash of your vehicle while its parked. 

As the other reviewer stated, it's a slow drive up the pot-hole filled gravel road, but once you reach the parking lot it's approximately 2.5 miles down to Watson lakes. There were delicious berries along the trail leading up to the lakes and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view on the hike down. We stayed along the second Watson lake during the middle of the week and saw few people and even fewer campers. There are numerous rock outcroppings with flat ground for camping all along the lake. You'll have to treat all of your water (the lake is right there and there's a stream nearby) and there's a mountain toilet down by the lakes.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Ethan A., April 24, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Watson Lake Campground

To get to this camp, you have to be ready to hike-in. Before that you have to drive 10 miles up a pot-hole strewn road, and before that, you have a lengthy drive just to get to the dirt road. But the trip is worth it. The hike is beautiful - be prepared, there is a lot more up and down than I was anticipating on this trip. The best campsites are at the Upper Watson Lake and it is first come, first serve. You camp right at the lake and going for a dip is definitely an option! I just put my feet in because it was cold, but my hiking buddy went all the way in. We did have to find our way across a small log jam to get to the campsites, but it was all worth it.

  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Danielle S., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Danielle S., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Anderson and Watson Lakes Hike-In by Danielle S., August 5, 2018
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Watson Lake Campground?

Watson Lake Campground offers minimal facilities as it's a primitive hike-in destination. No developed amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, or trash service are available. Important to note: fires are prohibited at Watson Lakes, so bring alternative cooking methods. The second of the Watson lakes offers the best camping spots with spectacular views. Visitors should be prepared to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste following Leave No Trace principles. Bring water filtration systems as potable water is not provided.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Watson Lake?

Watson Lake offers excellent opportunities for wilderness recreation in a stunning alpine setting. The main draw is the spectacular scenery, particularly at the second of the Watson lakes, which provides breathtaking views worth the challenging journey. Hiking along the trail system lets you explore both Watson and Anderson Lakes. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of landscape opportunities. Swimming is possible during warmer months, though the mountain water remains chilly. Be aware that summer brings insects, so pack appropriate repellent if visiting during bug season.

How do I get to Watson and Anderson Lakes in Washington?

Reaching Watson and Anderson Lakes requires a multi-stage journey. First, expect a lengthy drive to reach the dirt access road. From there, travel 10 miles up a rough, pot-hole filled road that requires careful navigation. Be sure to display a Discover Pass (available as a Day Pass for approximately $10 or Annual Pass for around $30) in your vehicle. The final leg is a beautiful but challenging hike-in trail with more elevation changes than many visitors anticipate. Come prepared for a true backcountry experience, as the remote location demands proper planning and equipment.

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