Amazing hike on a rainy day. The views were way better than I expected. I was expecting lots of people but it wasn't too crowded which was very nice. Found a large rock to sit on at the lake, perfect for photos. The only thing I disliked, was seeing many doggie poop bags on the trail. Please practice leave no trace and pack up all your trash!! read more

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We came here for our first time in Washington and the view of the lake was absolutely beautiful. We did our research prior to coming here and felt as if we were slightly under-prepared. When we did our research, all sources said this was an easy hike, but in our opinion, this was medium difficulty. Make sure to purchase a discover pass for parking, which you can find online. Parking was very limited and we had to park near the edge of a hill. The road to the parking was extremely rocky, so beware of that prior to going. I would suggest to get there early in the morning, as this is a popular hiking destination. Throughout the hike, I noticed that it was a bit difficult to navigate walking through rocks and areas with dirt that was hard to grip. I would highly suggest bringing hiking shoes or shoes with grip or you will struggle going downhill. When we arrived at the lake, it felt like the whole journey was so worth it. Absolutely beautiful view during the end of July with people swimming the lake and gorgeous trees. We stayed at the lake for hours and did not want to leave. This was such a different experience than our usual hikes. The people are also very kind as you get good mornings and people stepping to the side for you to get through. I would highly suggest this hike if you are in Washington for the first time, and in my opinion, be prepared for an easy-medium difficulty hike! read more

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Lovely hike! Not for people with unstable joints or balance issues. Lots of loose rocks, scrambles, high places, and mud. Take care! read more

Heather Lake - Summer solstice at the lake - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

I've been on a mission to stay active during my pregnancy, so I've been hiking every Saturday morning. It's become the highlight of my week, hands down! A couple of weeks ago we picked Heather Lake as our weekly hike. We're early hikers, so we make sure to get to the trailhead by 8 am. By then, the lot was about 75% full. It's a good sized lot. Be aware that a small, compact car WILL have a hard time on the road to the trailhead. It's extremely rugged - sooo many big potholes. Bonus - the bathrooms here are OPEN as are the trash receptacles. Many other trails do not have these "amenities" accessible right now, but Heather Lake does! Please, if possible, pack your own trash in and out as they do not have anybody regularly maintaining these spots. Heather Lake is 5 miles round trip with 1,100 ft of elevation gain. It sounds a lot more daunting than it really is. It's nice and steady, but not so much where you'll constantly be gasping for air. It's listed as moderate on sites such as WTA and AllTrails, and I'd say I've done hikes that are harder and still listed as moderate... Still good for a beginner, IMO. You'll want to make sure to have good hiking shoes. There's a lot of rocks & thick roots to traverse on this hike. The payout is stunning. Even on an overcast day, the water is a spectacular color and it looks super cool with the fog looming over the lake. I highly suggest doing the trail around the WHOLE lake as there's definitely different views all around. Highly recommend whether you're a newer or seasoned hiker. We started at 8 am and we got back down around 12 (we spent an hour up at the lake), so it's a great morning hike. The parking lot was PACKED at noon though, so if you're trying to adhere to social distancing I'd definitely go early! read more

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Excellent hike on the easier side and great you can walk around the lake for different vantage points. Nice to be tucked so close to the alpine ridges. read more

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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 - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

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It was a weekend, and wanted to check this out with my very experienced hiker friend. I would say it's easy enough for someone in decent shape. About 1100 feet in elevation and 5.5 miles roundtrip. It got busier as the day went on. When you finally make it to the parking lot, assuming your car doesn't get leveled inside a ditch (I mean, a pothole - maybe a good deterrent for excess people haha), there was ample parking and even the restroom facilities were open. I recommend getting there early AM (8 or so to avoid crowds since the end is just breathtaking in the covered snow). Lots of small rocks and roots, and because the snow was melting rapidly towards the bottom of the trail, it was WET. So many hikers with water resistant boots were soaked. I actually wore Sorel waterproof natural rubber winter boots. Not my ideal hiking boots, but for all the almost waterfalls we went thru and water deep to our knees, I was dry! Next time, I would bring my poles, as I'd like to be steadier on the way back down. Most folks were masked or polite and letting people by while giving ample space to get around them without facing each other due to COVID. The end is absolutely picturesque and breathtaking with the snow capped PNW trees. It really looked like wallpaper! read more

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Awesome family hike!! Definitely bring snacks and water as it can get you hungry in the steep parts of the hike.

This was one of the most beautiful hike I've been on! I highly recommend to visitors. The day parking pass is only 5 bucks

I was looking forward to a beautiful summer hike in the Northwest and that's exactly what I got at Heather Lake. We bought our hiking pass online beforehand - be sure to do so to contribute to the parks! Parking in the lot is limited - by the time we got there after noon, we had to park on the side of the road near the lot, a ways down from the trailhead. There is a bathroom available in the lot. So it's not an EASY hike, but it wasn't the hardest I'd ever done, either. I'm a little out of shape and hadn't hiked in a while, either, so those are a couple of other factors to consider. I'm also not the most avid hiker. The terrain wasn't too bad - it was a bit wet when we went and some parts got muddy. Be sure you're dressed appropriately for a little mud/puddles! FYI - there is no service (My friends and I all have AT&T, not sure if other carriers had any bars). I know, I know. Millennials. The end of the hike is the most rewarding. All the snow melts down into Heather Lake which makes for the best ice bath after the hike up! I couldn't last more than 10 seconds each time I dipped my toes in the water. The snow, on the other hand, I was NOT prepared for in July. My shoes were not made for walking in snow - and I'm a Florida girl through and through. I kept slipped and following to the point of embarrassment so I gave up. The view further up of the small melting falls above is apparently worth the treacherously slippery hike, though. Keep strong and hike on! The views and freezing cold swim are worth it at the end. read more

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A nice shorter hike for a half day trip. WTA mentions this as a nice trail to bring kids but I would say if you're kids are fit! There are lots of rocky areas and especially slippery in fall when it rains. I was wearing pretty sturdy hiking boots with gortex and still had to be very careful going up and down. Also very muddy too with several stream crossings. I recommend having pokes as well. There are also a lot of very large steps it would be more difficult for a smaller child to climb. Despite these challenges, it's a beautiful destination and especially beautiful in November because it's a winter wonderland! I love how the trail is relatively not snowy now but the sides of the trail are. The loop around the lake is also very nice with a wonderful view at every angle! Also be careful driving in and out to the trailhead lots of potholes but managed with a Mazda 3 if you go very slow! Recommend and come before 9 to avoid a crowd on weekends! read more

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Not very pretty, very hard hike. Lots of roots and rocks hurts my knees on my way down. For short distance it is all up hill. Don't do it on a hot day! read more

Heather Lake - Here's the actual trail head to the right of the huge sign-- - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

This is a beautiful hike up to a lake. When WTA (Washington Trails Association) says it's rocky and rooty though, it's really really rocky and rooty. We were hiking up and through legit streams, so make sure your shoes are durable and water proof. Some steps were almost too big for me to climb up, so I had to walk around and luckily it looked like other people had too. We also saw some kids ages 7-10 with a family so it's definitely do-able for older children. read more

Heather Lake is rated "easy" per Trailblazer and I would have to agree. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. Day passes are no longer available at the trail-head due to vandalism. Passes can be purchased at the Verlot Ranger station if needed. This hike is a round-trip of about 4.6 miles with a slight elevation gain. A privy is available at the trail-head. The terrain is rugged so this hike isn't ideal for somebody handicapped or with knee problems. On the day of our hike we witnessed several families with their small children. Many hikers also had their dogs with them. Once you reach the lake, great views of Mount Pilchuck can be seen. The lake itself is serene, clear and peaceful. As always, be respectful of your surrounding and other hikers. Keep the music at a low volume. If you pack it in, be sure to pack it out. read more

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You'll want to bring a swimsuit - this hike is a popular swimming spot! Only two miles long with about a 1000 ft elevation gain, Heather Lake is an easy, family-friendly choice for the beginning hiker. As it's located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, be sure to pick up a Northwest Forest Pass before heading up. Passes can be purchased either online or at a pay station in the parking lot. The road up to the trailhead itself is a bit rough and filled with potholes, so drive carefully. Also, come early if you actually want a parking spot at the trailhead. As mentioned before, this hike is pretty popular and was bustling when we went during the weekend. Once you're on the trail, you'll find that the majority of the hike is wooded with a lot of switchbacks. These switchbacks take you along the mountain side and past some impressive old growth tree stumps - keep an eye out for them! :) The terrain itself was a bit rough though with many exposed roots or patches of rocky areas. If you've hiked Lake 22, you'll find that this trail is fairly similar in terms of landscapes and the lake vista. There are a few spots along the right side of the lake bowl that take you right to the water's edge where you can sit, chill, or take a dip. One thing to note is the number of bugs along the lake - there were SO many flies! I'd bring bug spray just in case, haha. Overall, we saw our fair share of families and dogs on this hike, so it should be pretty doable for hikers of any level. :) read more

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Almost 1/2 trail is covered with water of the creeks or falls from the mountain. Roots and rocks everywhere raise the difficulty. However add more fun to my kid. The lake at the end is really amazing with 360 view. read more

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Wow, this lake is stunning. After your hike you stand staring at a lake with clead glacier water that seems like runs right into the side of a mountain. Its quiet, its fantastic and its well worth the hike. As far as getting there I would rate this as a moderate hiking. It runs about 2 miles each way and although the elevation change isnt dramatic there are some other obstacles to deal with. Mainly lots of exposes roots, it is very rocky and when its not rocky it muddy and wet in a lot of places. Now you could say this business as usual as far as hiking goes the thing that really took me of guard was for the end of may was how much snow was on the ground. I will upload pictures but the melting snow created some challenges as far as footing and hikers getting lost because they couldn't figure out where the trail was. Still worth the hike but make sure you wear hiking boots when you go this time of year. read more

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Incredibly beautiful hike! Gorgeous rock faces surrounding the lake. Very Rocky, not great for little tikes.

I thought it was a pretty strenuous hike but we also went around the lake and the I've got the better of me (my left leg fell through and I landed on an upright tree root/branch. But I can't even begin to describe the amazing beauty of this place. Warm, sunny day, streams, waterfalls, mountains, a crystal clear lake surrounded by snow. It's just a little too much to take in which is a great thing. Hiking forces you to live in the moment and what a great place to do so. I'd highly rexommend it... make sure to take plenty of water, snacks, hiking poles and proper shoes. I didn't know there'd be snow. Also note that the entire hike (just about) will be uneven terrain. Your shoes and socks will get wet and there will be slush and snow, small rocks and a lot of thick, surface-level tree roots running across the walkways that you cold easily trip over or get your shoe stuck in. You have to be mindful of every step. This is not a take photos while you walk kind of hike. If you choose to walk on the snow, pay very close attention to the holes in the snow and try to walk on top of established footprints. read more

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Hiked on March 11, 2016. Still Winter Wonderland up in the mountains! Difficulty: Easy Round Trip: 4.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1034 ft Drive: About 2 hours from Seattle. Very straightforward. The parking lot is right off of Mountain Loop Highway. Parking: Small Parking lot that can fit about 15-20 cars. This is a very popular hike so come early on busy days. Trail: The majority of the trail was still in good condition despite the winter weather. With a mild incline throughout the trail so this is a very good hiker for beginners and families. The trail was also very wet due to snow melting. Lots of blow downs from the winter storms. The last .5 mile to the lake was covered in a couple of feet of snow. It was beautiful but slippery in some parts. I didn't have any snow shoes. I wore my waterproof hiking boots and that worked out fine. Heather Lake was absolutely breathtaking. The lake was still mostly frozen over. The mountains and trees were covered in thick snow. Such a picturesque view! Tips (the winter season): -Bring a jacket (It was very cold at the top) -Wear water proof shoes -Bring snacks -Bring a camera! *Northwest Forest Pass required* read more

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Hiked 5/1/2016 I am told this is an easy hike. Well, being relatively new to the area I decided to pop my Washington hiking cherry on this approximately 5 mile roundtrip hike (including one loop around the lake). I had read online that this was a good place to take kids on their first "real" hike. I figured if its recommended for kids, I should have no problems. Well, these must be some spry kids! In truth its not a really a difficult hike, but it was different than what I was expecting. I'm used to hiking in the Bay Area in California where I feel like the trails were a lot cleaner and had far less obstacles. This trail was pretty rocky, there were no clear markings for the trail which would have gotten me in trouble a few times had I not been with people who knew what they were doing. 1) On the way up to the lake there is what looked to me like a fork in the road. One way looked like the path just kept going, the other way was a set of stairs. We took the stairs, which was the correct way, so I'm not sure if that other path went anywhere else. 2) After you take a loop around the lake there is no clear sign for getting back on the trail. Two of us were convinced we hadn't gone far enough to have made the whole loop. Luckily, one of us had a GPS and found the way out. Not sure how many loops I would have done trying to find my exit. LOL 3) There is an outhouse at the parking lot. There also looks like there is a trail that starts at the outhouse. That is NOT the trail. You will go into the wood approximately 100 yards and then go no where. The actual trail head is across the parking lot. The elevation gain was never too steep, and during the spring there was no need for special equipment, though we did walk through a bit of snow as we looped around the lake. The lake and the surrounding mountains are very pretty and its a nice place to stop for a bit and have a snack before heading back down. We did the entire hike in about 3 hours, not accounting for snack time. On this May day no one was swimming, but I bet when it gets warmer people will do just that. I would definitely do this hike again. read more

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The most beautiful hike I've been on. I don't think I've ever been to a place that I truly did not want to leave - unbelievable views all around. I got to the Trailhead at 8:00 am on a Friday morning and saw just one person on the way up to the lake. I had the entire lake to myself for a half hour. April was amazing, warm enough to hike without too much snow on the trail (just some the last quarter mile) but the lake was still frozen with snow on the mountains and it was unbelievable. I recommend this hike to anyone - just bring a pit of boots this time of year because there's still snow at the end. And watch out for post holing as it gets warmer - be careful! There were quite a few big holes that people stepped through that I saw. Oh and I thought I heard some avalanches on the other side, but not sure. I had read at some point another person said the same thing so just be aware. read more

Heather Lake - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

Wonderful hike that will please all types of hikers. It's not too hard, not too easy, not too long and the payoff is absolutely worth it. If you want to take it slow and really enjoy it, I would highly recommend that you camp overnight. It's also a perfect day hike. It try to get there early so you can enjoy a good amount of time at the lake and walk the loop around it. Lots of picture opportunities! read more

Easy hike - takes about 90 min to get to the lake and about 60 to get back down. 1,000 foot elevation gain. Break-taking view upon arrival at the lake. Surprise there aren't more reviews! https://fresh-photography.squarespace.com/blog/2016/4/20/hiking-heather-lake is my personal hiking review along with photos! Highly recommend checking this place out! Great for kids, for picnics, photos etc... read more

Heather Lake - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

Whoever said this is an easy hike set the bar pretty high. I would not call this an easy hike. No way. I'm nearly flabbergasted at the thought. I'll admit, I'm not an avid hiker. I tromp around my local state parks on Whidbey Island, some which have a hint of elevation gain, but I'll rarely drive for hours to hike for miles. For me, an easy hike would be one that is moderately flat and accessible to most. Heather Lake trail is about 20% flat. Mostly it's up, up, up, over wet rocks and slippery roots, navigating big natural steps and mud. How the heck is that easy? Trekking poles were especially helpful during the descent. Oh my goodness, the size of the tree stumps at the lower elevations was amazing, and of course the scenery at the lake was gorgeous. Being early fall and a heavily used trail, we found the trail, including the loop trail around the lake, easy to follow. The gravel road to the trailhead is full of potholes but thankfully only about a mile? Sorry, I should have measured it, I'm lousy at distances. At 10 am we were the fourth car to arrive but when we left the parking lot was getting full with maybe 20 cars. There's a pit toilet at the parking lot but I didn't check it out. read more

Easy hike with amazing view at the end, bring some sticks there still some snow once you get close to the lake, month of May

We really enjoyed this hike- we got there at about 10:00 and started up the trail. Parking was easy (the drive up was rough). I would say this hike is a little more difficult then expected because the trail is wet and slippery. The lake is beautiful and my only real piece of advice is to give yourself some extra time due to the wet rocks and water crossings. read more

Great hike! Beautiful up top. I was surprised that there was still as much snow up there. It was quite the experience with the added element. I went mid week around 10am and I'd say there was, 10 other people on the trail. Be aware that you will be crossing a stream during the blaze. Just trudge through, you will see the continuation of the trail on the other side read more

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Pretty easy-moderate 7 mile round trip hike. A little over an hour from downtown Seattle. Popular hike that can get crowded by early afternoon. Lots of people like to hike up to the lake and stick around all day, hang out, eat, drink and have a good time. When you are about halfway up the mountain there is a fork in the trail. Take the trail that is more established (the trail that veers to the right). NW Forest Pass Required. read more

Heather Lake - April 2016 - Hiking Near Me - Granite Falls, Washington

Stunning view of snow peaks and snowy lake. Hiked on 3/18/16. It was still chilly then so we wore a ton of layers and even brought snow pants (which were unnecessary). We had to wear hiking boots because of the melting snow but once you get past the icy portion, the view of the snow is well worth the relatively easy hike. Definitely recommend having a picnic at the top. We brought a hammock so ended up chilling at the top for an hour and a half. read more