Came the Saturday over July 4th weekend in the afternoon, arriving around 1PM. Parking lot was down the street but didn't have to park too far, potholes were fine for a Subaru Outback. Lots of salmonberries on the side of the road! Trail was all shaded, not too steep, pretty short. The walk around the lake was really nice, not too many bugs, many places to take a dip into the water which wasn't too cold. Good place to hang out! Going down was a bit slippery, surprisingly didn't see too many people the entire time, especially considering it was a holiday weekend. read more

Heather Lake - Active Life Near Me - Darrington, Washington

See all

Word to the wise: this is not an easy hike. WTA lists it as good for kids and I feel sorry for anyone who took THAT advice. The trail is not well maintained with lots of slippery rocks, creeks, and tree roots to scramble over. It wasnt busy when we went midweek so was nice to let the dogs roam a bit. The view is beautiful with many empty maintained campsites around the lake, a nice peripheral lake trail, and plenty of salmonberries/blueberries. I was looking for a challenging hike but did not expect this! Definitely harder than rattlesnake or little si. Be prepared, 1000 ft elevation gain in 1.2 miles is no joke. read more

See all

We hiked up to Heather Lake in March and there was plenty of snow. Enough that my entire leg got swallowed by it countless times. I did not wear proper shoes but still made it up. This is something that I do not recommend. Make sure to call the Rangers around there to get an idea about how bad the snow is. I find that they are pretty modest when it come to their description so keep that in mind. This hike is easy for people who hike regularly and probably more medium for those that do not. On the upside there was not a bug or bee in sight in March. There were kiddos stomping up the hill but for a Saturday I thought the crowd quite humble! The lookout resembles Lake 22. I look forward to returning in a new season! read more

Heather Lake - a bit frozen over! - Active Life Near Me - Darrington, Washington

See all

Did a hike to the top on a weekend in early April. We were shocked at the terrible shape the trail was in. Streams and trails were one in some parts, in others the root exposure was a good 6 inches above ground, bridges were rickety and rotten, some steps were as tall as a small child. It's obvious that this spot hadn't been maintained in quite some time which is too bad. The payoff at the top was almost worth the rough experience up and down but I don't think I'd go back until alerting someone at the WTA about the conditions on this trail. read more

Heather lake is a great hike all year round. You can hike it in the snow or the sun. The trail starts off on an old road (same road that goes to Mt. Pilchuk) and then climbs steadily through second-growth forest. There is a trail all the way around the lake. The hike takes about 2 hours, is not flat by any means, but not really steep either. Enjoy the wildflowers, lake and ridges, maybe a wild animal (birds, rodents, etc). Bring a picnic, it's wide open when you get to the top by the lake. This is a great half day trip, driving takes a couple hours or more, then the hike another couple, the drive is half freeway and half paved back country roads with a little gravel. read more

Heather Lake - Heather Lake - Active Life Near Me - Darrington, Washington

I will start by saying that I am not a novice hiker. I don't hit trails every single weekend. A few times in the summer if that. This hike was listed as a good family hike and let me tell you, that is not true. This is the hardest hike I have ever done. My son who is 7 did great though. It is super steep, lots of switch backs, wet rocks and mud. The elevation change is insane. It took a very long time. Once you get to the lake though, it is amazing. So pretty. I can't say that I would be in a hurry to do this one again though. read more

This is my all-time favorite trail. Its listed for beginners, but I'd say it's intermediate because of the elevation. It's still a steep hike in most parts. The lake itself is stunning, but my favorite part is actually the trail. I get bored with the same stairs all the way up like 22. Heather Lake trail is varied with streams to splash through, waterfalls, a variety of stairs, rooty areas to climb, rocky areas to balance on, trees to climb, etc.. Just a blast if you love playing in nature like I do! I can't blab about this hike enough with people who want a fun one! Great for medium to large size dogs as well. :) read more

See all

Great hike! It takes about 2 hours, and it gives you a workout without being overly arduous. Once you reach the top, the lake's surface is a perfect mirror for the mountains overhead. There's a trail that circles the lake, so you can stroll around after picnicking on the rocks. The brave ones even take a dip in the water! read more

Probably liked this even more than lake 22. Better footing and less human traffic. A great hike! There are toilets at the beginning of trail and also down by the lake. This one is worth the drive! read more

We hiked Mt. Pilchuck the weekend before, so this hike seemed very easy compared to last weekend. However, the first mile and a half or so is pretty steep and quite a workout. Very big steps to climb. The lake is very pretty, and there's a trail that goes all the way around. Didn't take very long for us to hike. If you're looking for a short, fairly easy hike, this is for you! One star off for the over-abundance of bugs and bees, but whaddya expect? read more

Amazing, awesome and nearly always a perfect hike (minus when you get drenched from start to finish and it's freezing cold and you sandwiches get wet....).one of my all time favorite moderate hike. No problem for the (pretty athletic and hearty, outdoors-loving) kids or the St. Bernard. read more

The gravel road up to the parking area ruined one of my friends cars side bumper because of all the potholes, be sure to take a nice big car up or drive slow on the way up. View of the lake was absolutely breathtaking, but the trail was in HORRIBLE shape, and felt much longer than 4.6 miles. Rocks everywhere, super muddy, trees fallen over, and slippery. Be extra careful if you're taking your young ones on this hike. And definitely not a hike for beginners! read more