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One of the prettiest hikes I have ever been on! Hike level was moderate, 2 hours up and 1 hour down, Definitely worth every minute!
My friends and I arrived at the trailhead at 8:30am on a Sunday morning a few weeks ago and the parking lot was completely full. Thankfully the picnic parking lot just across the street had a lot of spots left. When we returned at around 12pm though there were no spots left and people were parking illegally on the sides making it extremely difficult for cars to get in and out of the parking lot. For a trail rates moderately difficult on the WTA website, I honestly thought it would be a lot rougher. For anyone who has done Mailbox or even Mt.Si, this was a walk in the park. The trail was very rocky at some parts, but there weren't very many (if any) super steep inclines. I was surprised at the number of shallow staircases and how manicured the trail was. With that said, the trail was fairly muddy throughout and so I'm glad I brought my waterproof hiking boots. We were thankful to have not encountered any mosquitos. However, there were lots of gnats at the top around the lake- harmless of course, but they were still an annoyance none the less. Note that it was very chilly at the lake so bring layers!
Lake 22 is a lovely hike that takes on multiple terrains. It's considered a "loop" but it's really just one path to the lake, a loop around the lake, and then the same path back. The sign says it's 2.7 miles one way but it's probably a bit more. Budget around 4 hours if you plan to take pictures, and you'll definitely want to! I read that the trail tends to get busier during the afternoon so my friends and I got here early in the morning ~9AM on a weekday and there weren't many cars in the parking lot yet. However, by the time we ended the hike, the lot was pretty full. Make sure to also buy the parking pass ahead of time. It's only $5 per vehicle and you just have to print it out and place it on the dashboard of the car. I'm not sure if anyone actually checks it but better to be safe than sorry. This hike is rated moderately difficult but I don't think it was too difficult. It was just the different terrains that you go through that can make it seem difficult. There's the regular woodsy parts on the dirt roads but also an area full of rocks (that gets annoying) and man-made steps/staircases as well. Some parts of the trail also get muddy with some streams of water so waterproof hiking boots are definitely recommended. Most of us wore regular athletic shoes and managed to get out in one piece just fine. There's a good level of elevation but it's gradual. We came during late September and the morning was really cold but as we continued on the hike, it got hot really quick so I'd recommend wearing layers. The path around the lake also has some areas that are shaded by the mountains which makes it chilly. Overall, it's a beautiful hike and well worth it. It's about 1.5 hours from Seattle and there's limited internet access there but it's a great getaway into the nature!
My friend and I did this hike in late October, on a mostly overcast day. We arrived at the trailhead around 8:30am, and there were only a few spots left for parking so I recommend getting here early. For someone like me who is not a hiker at all, it can be a little difficult. The trail itself is very muddy in some spots and rocky in others, so I'd also recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots. Most of the trail is well-shaded. Ok now the important part. The lake at the top is gorgeous. Exquisite. Spectacular. Pick any positive adjective you want. I'm so glad I did this hike and hauled my camera up. My friend and I walked around and ate some snacks before heading back down. Total time was about 4.5 hours, including a small snack break and stopping to take A LOT of pics. Follow my Instagram and TikTok @thephotographerfoodie for more! :)
We went in the end of May timeframe. I don't hike much so for me, this was a little tougher than expected, especially through the rock quarry. Btw, wear hiking shoes with good soles! I had my sneakers on and climbing on the rocks hurt my feet (I wasn't anticipating the rocks). These photos don't quite do the lake justice but let me just say that it was very much worth seeing and is definitely one you'll want to visit!
Lake 22 lives up to the hype! I went a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breath taking to admire the snow and lake which was completely frozen over. It is a moderate hike at ~1400 elevation and takes a couple hours, you'll likely find yourself sitting at the lake to check out the mountains. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and come prepared with micro spikes when needed, otherwise you can slip and hurt yourself. Hiking poles definitely help make the hike smoother but aren't necessary. The trail is a mixture of rocks, soil, and small water streams. Be sure to get there early to avoid crowds and to ensure you get easy parking. We got there around 730AM and there were barely any cars but on our way down, there were a lot of people hiking up and the lot was full. If you're looking for a hike with nice views, check out Lake 22!
Just a wonderful hike. Medium level difficulty. Shaded, rocky, uphill. Can be slippery. Gorgeous mossy forest. I love it here!
I recommend a saunter over the hike approach to this trail ! Incredible Forest w/Mushrooms, Waterfalls & Incredible Views everywhere. Best Woods Hike I've Ever Done, fascinating really. Leave it better than you found it, some younger kids leaving Red Bull cans we cleaned up on the way in & out. Don't bring plastic bottles out there, get a Yeti or something reusable, get real. There are trash cans / outhouses at the entrance.
An All-Season Gem! No matter if it's snowy winter or sunny summer, this hike is a winner. The lake's always a bit cool, but it's a welcome refresher post-hike. Whether you're a snow lover or a summer seeker, this hike's got something special for everyone.
Great, easy day hike that's super dog friendly! I would suggest packing a lunch and eating it at the top while you enjoy the view of the lake. It gets pretty chilly at the top, so plan your outfit accordingly.
Came the Saturday over July 4th weekend in the morning, arriving around 7:30AM. Parking lot was full so parked down the street, wasn't too far a walk back to the trailhead from there. Bathrooms and a map at the beginning of the trail, trail was clear the whole way up. Mostly shaded, some spots with views, goes uphill, a bit wet. Not too many people on the way up but lots of people when going down. Got up in less than two hours, there's a bathroom at the top. The walk around the lake was really nice, not too many bugs, many places to take a dip into the water. Good place to hang out, lake was big and beautiful! Lots of spots to sit and chill, water was pretty cold. Sun came out for a bit which was nice, really great views.
VIEWS: I did this as a morning hike, but stayed for several hours. When I got to the top around 11 am, it was very cloudy, with a heavy fog over the lake that gave it a mystical feel. By early afternoon, the fog cleared, and the lake looked very turquoise, bright, and completely different from before. Both were gorgeous, though I personally preferred the latter. DIFFICULTY: The hike itself was moderate-easy in terms of distance and elevation gain, and took about 2 hours to get up. However, there were parts of the trail that required climbing over rocks or crossing a small stream. It wasn't difficult to do this and I thought it was a fun to make the hike more engaging and interactive. I'm also glad I went earlier when the air was cooler. LOGISTICS: I arrived around 9 am on a weekday, and the parking lot was mostly full but there were still several empty spots. There weren't a ton of people on the way up, but we passed by a good number of groups on the way down in the afternoon. Everyone was pretty respectful about wearing masks.
I have hiked a lot before this one but not recently so I was a little out of shape. We got there on a Thursday around 11am and only 3-4 cars in the lot. I've read reviews that it gets pretty full early. The trail starts off pretty easy. Walking through beautiful creeks and over and around fallen tree stumps. This time there was a temporary trail where a huge tree had fallen so this part was difficult for me due to the hill being muddy and slippery and straight up. Once you conquer that it's basically all rocky and watching your step. About halfway we started to see snow which was awesome. The hike took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the lake which was SO WORTH IT!!! It was covered in snow and the lake was partially frozen which was so beautiful! We stayed about 15 mins due to it getting dark fast. We got back to the lot around 5 and it was so dark already! Over all one of my favorite and most difficult hikes for me personally. I would love to hike it again in the summer or spring time!
A gorgeous lake hike during any season :) Come in the winter for some amazing snow, or the summer for an amazing shimmery lake and a backdrop. This hike is pretty moderate - so maximum reward for not much effort :D read more
Arrived at 8:30am on a Saturday and the parking lot was mostly empty (less than 10 cars). Bathrooms don't lock but I was still able to use it by having someone stand in front of it for me. Trail is rocky, muddy and there are many stream crossings. Crampons/micro-spikes are needed if you want to walk around the lake, the snow is compact and icy too. read more
Lake 22. Okay, this hike was HARD! But honestly, so worth it and satisfying. It was snowy and slippery, so definitely make sure your shoes have good traction. We should've brought a picnic for when we reached the lake, but the whole experience was amazing. There are plenty of great spots around the lake for a picnic with your person. Would definitely go again! read more
1 year ago
One of the prettiest hikes I have ever been on! Hike level was moderate, 2 hours up and 1 hour down, Definitely worth every minute! read more
My friends and I arrived at the trailhead at 8:30am on a Sunday morning a few weeks ago and the parking lot was completely full. Thankfully the picnic parking lot just across the street had a lot of spots left. When we returned at around 12pm though there were no spots left and people were parking illegally on the sides making it extremely difficult for cars to get in and out of the parking lot. For a trail rates moderately difficult on the WTA website, I honestly thought it would be a lot rougher. For anyone who has done Mailbox or even Mt.Si, this was a walk in the park. The trail was very rocky at some parts, but there weren't very many (if any) super steep inclines. I was surprised at the number of shallow staircases and how manicured the trail was. With that said, the trail was fairly muddy throughout and so I'm glad I brought my waterproof hiking boots. We were thankful to have not encountered any mosquitos. However, there were lots of gnats at the top around the lake- harmless of course, but they were still an annoyance none the less. Note that it was very chilly at the lake so bring layers! read more
Lake 22 is a lovely hike that takes on multiple terrains. It's considered a "loop" but it's really just one path to the lake, a loop around the lake, and then the same path back. The sign says it's 2.7 miles one way but it's probably a bit more. Budget around 4 hours if you plan to take pictures, and you'll definitely want to! I read that the trail tends to get busier during the afternoon so my friends and I got here early in the morning ~9AM on a weekday and there weren't many cars in the parking lot yet. However, by the time we ended the hike, the lot was pretty full. Make sure to also buy the parking pass ahead of time. It's only $5 per vehicle and you just have to print it out and place it on the dashboard of the car. I'm not sure if anyone actually checks it but better to be safe than sorry. This hike is rated moderately difficult but I don't think it was too difficult. It was just the different terrains that you go through that can make it seem difficult. There's the regular woodsy parts on the dirt roads but also an area full of rocks (that gets annoying) and man-made steps/staircases as well. Some parts of the trail also get muddy with some streams of water so waterproof hiking boots are definitely recommended. Most of us wore regular athletic shoes and managed to get out in one piece just fine. There's a good level of elevation but it's gradual. We came during late September and the morning was really cold but as we continued on the hike, it got hot really quick so I'd recommend wearing layers. The path around the lake also has some areas that are shaded by the mountains which makes it chilly. Overall, it's a beautiful hike and well worth it. It's about 1.5 hours from Seattle and there's limited internet access there but it's a great getaway into the nature! read more
My friend and I did this hike in late October, on a mostly overcast day. We arrived at the trailhead around 8:30am, and there were only a few spots left for parking so I recommend getting here early. For someone like me who is not a hiker at all, it can be a little difficult. The trail itself is very muddy in some spots and rocky in others, so I'd also recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots. Most of the trail is well-shaded. Ok now the important part. The lake at the top is gorgeous. Exquisite. Spectacular. Pick any positive adjective you want. I'm so glad I did this hike and hauled my camera up. My friend and I walked around and ate some snacks before heading back down. Total time was about 4.5 hours, including a small snack break and stopping to take A LOT of pics. Follow my Instagram and TikTok @thephotographerfoodie for more! :) read more
3 years ago
We went in the end of May timeframe. I don't hike much so for me, this was a little tougher than expected, especially through the rock quarry. Btw, wear hiking shoes with good soles! I had my sneakers on and climbing on the rocks hurt my feet (I wasn't anticipating the rocks). These photos don't quite do the lake justice but let me just say that it was very much worth seeing and is definitely one you'll want to visit! read more
Lake 22 lives up to the hype! I went a few weeks ago and it is absolutely breath taking to admire the snow and lake which was completely frozen over. It is a moderate hike at ~1400 elevation and takes a couple hours, you'll likely find yourself sitting at the lake to check out the mountains. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and come prepared with micro spikes when needed, otherwise you can slip and hurt yourself. Hiking poles definitely help make the hike smoother but aren't necessary. The trail is a mixture of rocks, soil, and small water streams. Be sure to get there early to avoid crowds and to ensure you get easy parking. We got there around 730AM and there were barely any cars but on our way down, there were a lot of people hiking up and the lot was full. If you're looking for a hike with nice views, check out Lake 22! read more
3 years ago
Just a wonderful hike. Medium level difficulty. Shaded, rocky, uphill. Can be slippery. Gorgeous mossy forest. I love it here! read more
3 years ago
I recommend a saunter over the hike approach to this trail ! Incredible Forest w/Mushrooms, Waterfalls & Incredible Views everywhere. Best Woods Hike I've Ever Done, fascinating really. Leave it better than you found it, some younger kids leaving Red Bull cans we cleaned up on the way in & out. Don't bring plastic bottles out there, get a Yeti or something reusable, get real. There are trash cans / outhouses at the entrance. read more
3 years ago
An All-Season Gem! No matter if it's snowy winter or sunny summer, this hike is a winner. The lake's always a bit cool, but it's a welcome refresher post-hike. Whether you're a snow lover or a summer seeker, this hike's got something special for everyone. read more
Came the Saturday over July 4th weekend in the morning, arriving around 7:30AM. Parking lot was full so parked down the street, wasn't too far a walk back to the trailhead from there. Bathrooms and a map at the beginning of the trail, trail was clear the whole way up. Mostly shaded, some spots with views, goes uphill, a bit wet. Not too many people on the way up but lots of people when going down. Got up in less than two hours, there's a bathroom at the top. The walk around the lake was really nice, not too many bugs, many places to take a dip into the water. Good place to hang out, lake was big and beautiful! Lots of spots to sit and chill, water was pretty cold. Sun came out for a bit which was nice, really great views. read more
VIEWS: I did this as a morning hike, but stayed for several hours. When I got to the top around 11 am, it was very cloudy, with a heavy fog over the lake that gave it a mystical feel. By early afternoon, the fog cleared, and the lake looked very turquoise, bright, and completely different from before. Both were gorgeous, though I personally preferred the latter. DIFFICULTY: The hike itself was moderate-easy in terms of distance and elevation gain, and took about 2 hours to get up. However, there were parts of the trail that required climbing over rocks or crossing a small stream. It wasn't difficult to do this and I thought it was a fun to make the hike more engaging and interactive. I'm also glad I went earlier when the air was cooler. LOGISTICS: I arrived around 9 am on a weekday, and the parking lot was mostly full but there were still several empty spots. There weren't a ton of people on the way up, but we passed by a good number of groups on the way down in the afternoon. Everyone was pretty respectful about wearing masks. read more
6 years ago
I have hiked a lot before this one but not recently so I was a little out of shape. We got there on a Thursday around 11am and only 3-4 cars in the lot. I've read reviews that it gets pretty full early. The trail starts off pretty easy. Walking through beautiful creeks and over and around fallen tree stumps. This time there was a temporary trail where a huge tree had fallen so this part was difficult for me due to the hill being muddy and slippery and straight up. Once you conquer that it's basically all rocky and watching your step. About halfway we started to see snow which was awesome. The hike took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the lake which was SO WORTH IT!!! It was covered in snow and the lake was partially frozen which was so beautiful! We stayed about 15 mins due to it getting dark fast. We got back to the lot around 5 and it was so dark already! Over all one of my favorite and most difficult hikes for me personally. I would love to hike it again in the summer or spring time! read more
4 years ago
Would I come back? Definitely! Difficulty: Moderate. Duration: 2.5 hours. 5-6 miles. My friend and I did a weekend trip to Seattle. I have been hiking in Portland before and thought that Seattle would offer breathtaking views as well. We got to the parking lot at around 11 am and could not find a single spot. There is more parking down the highway. You just need to walk up to the entrance of the hike along the highway. This place is located about 1.5 hours away from Seattle so it is quite a drive. When you drive to this location there is basically one way in and one way out. Your GPS will lose signal once you are half way into the forest. Don't be alarmed and keep on going. Once you see a lot of cars and the sign Lake 22 you will know that you're at the right spot. This trail is clearly marked and you will not have trouble finding your way in and out. I was told that the trail was going to be about 4 miles but my tracker registered almost 6 miles. I would recommend wearing hiking shoes or trail shoes because part of the trail has loose rocks. You would not want to roll your ankle here... There is damped spots along the trail as well making rocks slippery. The incline is steady and does not get too crazy until the top where you will be bouncing from rocks to rocks. My friend and I came here in July and the weather was perfect. When we arrived at the lake we found that not all the snow had melted either. Make sure to bring a camera to take pictures of this breathtaking view. read more
7 years ago
My first hike at Washington State. Twisted my ankle too many times, got bitten by a hundred million bugs, almost stepped on a snake, climbed rocks all throughout the hike but the view of the lake and the rock wall mountain on top was so majestic and definitely worth the seven mile hike! Tips: 1. Wear hiking shoes, the hiking trail has a lot of rocks. 2. Bring bug spray, the bug bites are not a joke. 3. Bring food, you'll get hungry when you reached the top. 4. Come early, parking is limited! Also, you'll need a parking pass. 5. Make sure you go around the lake. It's gorgeous! 6. Don't eat the berries. It's sour! 7. Take lots of pics :) read more
4 years ago
Absolutely Beautiful! We will be going again in the Summer! Long hike, for beginners, so be prepared. read more
What a beautiful hike when you make it to the top! The hike is about a 1400 ft gain but very doable for someone with beginner/intermediate experience. Took about 3 hours moving time for me and my friend to complete. It was super busy on a Saturday at 10:30am so I highly suggest getting started much earlier to avoid crowds. I ended up in traffic jams of people which it took awhile to get around which was annoying from a safety covid perspective as well as just being slow. There are also a lot of water streams and rocks so hiking shoes are strongly encouraged for this hike. The lake itself is insanely beautiful and plenty of places to chill even when busy to pick a rock and have a nice lunch or photo shoot out there. The snow on the mountains behind are absolutely stunning. Definitely a must do hike although it can be busy on weekends perfect for anyone of varied fitness levels who want to hike! read more
Lake 22 is a relatively easy hike. Right before the last 15 minutes up to the lake there is a stretch of uneven rock uphill for about 20 minutes. That was the only section of the hike I did not enjoy. On our way down we ran into other hikers who said there are some shortcuts that will get you down in about an hour. I had mixed feelings about that since isn't the point of going hiking to enjoy the scenery and to burn some calories? I can see the appeal of the shortcuts if you're tired on the way down. There are some nice areas around the lake for you to just sit and enjoy the views. We packed some sandwiches and sat on some logs by the bridge. I was surprised to see some snow still up in the mountains this late in the summer. But then again, being from SoCal I don't know too much about snow. I recommend the mile loop around the lake. There are beautiful flowers around the area. Some notes: *There are two restrooms available at the parking lot *The general store a mile down the road sells the Northwest Forest Pass. If you're looking to use the restroom there is only a portable one outside read more
11 years ago
Come out early to this popular trail because it gets busy! They have quite the number of parking spots, but by the time we were leaving, cars were lined up along the side of the road and out of the trailhead. Also, don't forget to pick up a parking pass BEFORE you arrive at the trail - they don't have a parking pass machine in the actual lot. You can pick up a day pass for $5 at the service center, which is about a half mile away from the trailhead. Be sure to clear your vehicles of your belongings before you head up because the trail is in a high car break-in area. :( The majority of the trail itself is wooded, with a few stretches in direct sunlight. Especially in the recent heat wave, it's important to bring more than enough water because it does get pretty hot out there. The trail itself is longer with a steady increase in elevation versus short and with a sharp increase (like Rattlesnake). There are a few rocky areas where you have to clamber over some medium-sized rocks, so be sure to also wear proper shoes with traction. Lastly, I'd recommend bringing some mosquito spray because this time of the year, the lake is teeming with them. In general though, Lake 22 was a great hike for the beginner hiker. It's not TOO challenging, but has just enough elevation gain and distance to give you a good workout. The rocky areas might be a bit of a challenge for younger kids, but we did see several families and folks with dogs out on the trail. So head out before noon if you can, and happy hiking! read more
Hiked March 13, 2015 I got inspired to hike this trail via an Instagram picture from a popular IG account. It was beautiful looking, and I like hiking beautiful trails. So I started researching it. Trail is located in Granite Falls, WA about an hour + from the Seattle area (we came from Redmond and took us 1.5 hours). Directions: into Google maps I inputted 33515 Mountain Loop Hwy Granite Falls, WA 98252. There is no service out here, just warning you. But once we made the turn onto Mtn Loop Hwy, it's roughly 10 miles to the sign where it says you are entering the Mt Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest sign. From there you keep going and you will pass over 22 Creek. From there, about less than 1/2 a mile you will see the Lake 22 Trail sign on the right. The trailhead is well marked. The parking lot is a decent size, we got ther Friday around 1 pm and found parking. There is also toilets there. Trail: the trail is around 6 miles out and back. The trail itself is well marked, with wooden walkways at some point, dirt trails, and rocky trails. I liked this trail a lot because you go through a lot of different scenery, from dense forest to beautiful waterfalls, I think you past 2 of them, then the trail opens up to no trees at all and you can see more of your surroundings. Then the trail brings you back into a dense forest, then you get to the lake. The lake itself is beautiful with wooden walkways. it can get chilly when the sun goes behind the mountain. You can walk left or right and the trail takes you around the lake. I would consider this a pretty easy hike, nothing to strenuous. Elevation gain isn't too much. read more
9 years ago
This is officially one of my favorite hikes now. There is so much to see along the way to the lake and it isn't overly crowded, despite how many cars are in the lots. Plus, the lake is huge, with trail going nearly all the way around, so there are many places you can have your picnic at the top of the hike. I took a friend who is not an avid hiker and is usually quite the complainer, and she enjoyed this hike! It took us about 2 hours to get to the top with several stops for water and to let my friend catch her breath. The way down was a little hard on the knees with all the box steps, so if you have issues with your ACL trekking poles would probably be helpful on the descent. We saw a woodpecker having at a tree along the path that goes around the lake, and also several squirrels/chipmunks. This trail goes through lots of water, so wear shoes that can handle that! I was glad I decided on my hiking boots with the thick soles for this trek, as my tennis shoes would have been a hot mess after this hike. There are parts of streams that are at least 3-4 inches deep so be prepared! It's definitely a fun hike! read more
This is a really great day hike that takes about two hours to complete if you walk in a moderate pace. The trail isn't too challenging, but you get rewarded with fabulous views of waterfalls and a beautiful lake at the end. The greenery is beautiful as well, and there are great spots along the way to eat lunch or just enjoy the fresh air and cool views. Don't forget your Northwest Forest Pass! This trail definitely gets busier later in the day... or maybe just on holidays. We went during Labor Day weekend and around 1 p.m. is when most families came through. The hike is great for people of all ages. We especially saw many kids and dogs on the trail! read more
8 years ago
Benefit in the autumn. The lake in green, the snow in white and the trees, bushes, and grass in green/yellow/red make a perfect view. Hiking in the rain today, the rocks on trail make it a little tough for kids. read more
Our hiking group just hiked to this lake yesterday. The NW Forest Pass is required. Limited parking lot parking is available. Parking on the side of the street can be found if the parking lot is full. We arrived at the trail-head at 10:30am and the parking lot was nearly full. By the time we left at around 2pm the lot was packed. There is a privy available before hitting the trail. The privy did not have toilet paper available so be sure to bring your own along with some hand sanitizer. A variety of trail types will be encountered on this hike: mud, gravel, wood and large rocks. The majority of the hike was large rocks. Wear your hiking shoes on this trail. It was raining the day we hiked but the trail is always wet and muddy in many places. That's just how mountain rain-forests work. When we reached the lake, we decided to walk around the whole lake which put our walking distance at the end of the hike at 7+ miles. The hike isn't extremely tough but you will need to put some effort into reaching the lake. The way down may be hard on some peoples knees. This hike is by far the busiest hike I have been on. The paths are narrow and it became quite irritating to always be pulling over to allow large groups to pass. As always, I am so grateful to live in such a gorgeous state. During our hike, we spied a couple waterfalls and marveled at old forest growth. We were awed by the simple beauty of neighboring mountains and boulder fields. Please be sure to respect nature. If you pack it in, pack it out. read more
6 years ago
Amazing amazing amazing! Be ready for a medium tough hike. I'm not crazy fit, but I'm also not a couch potato, and I thought this hike was a bit tough. The terrain can be tough, but it has lots of refreshing areas. And above all the reward at the end of the hike is amazing! read more
4 years ago
I love the Lake 22. No problem with parking. Hike took not more than an hour to get to the top. It was easy hike for hikers. But if you go first time can be challenging. read more
6 years ago
ROCKS! This hike has so many rocks. You're literally just walking on rocks for a large portion so you have to watch your footing. I didn't research it much before I went but I thought it was going to be a nicely manicured trail. Be prepared for water, mud, roots, trees to climb over, and so many rocks. My knee hurts today. I must have twisted it navigating through the boulder field. We went pretty slow the way up and it took almost 2.5 hours and 1.5 to go back down. It is nice, though. Lots of people not wearing masks and there was one person at the lake with a drone and another playing music loudly. That's annoying AF people. No one wants to hear your music or your drone. Really beautiful place though. read more
Difficulty: Moderate Duration: ~5 miles, anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on how often you stop for pictures, snacks, etc. Took a trip to Washington and despite the entire rainy forecast, the sun made some way for us and we were able to do this hike near the end of October with amazing weather. They have a parking lot, but it's rather small and on a busy day, can easily fill up quickly. There's 2 bathrooms at the trail head. I'm not sure what the trail is like during summer, but for us, it was extremely wet. There were several moments that we were essentially hiking up against a stream or jumping over a small waterfall so you definitely need waterproof shoes. Most of the trail is small pebbles with some areas of dirt and also about half a mile that's up a mountain with larger rocks (this part was definitely harder on the knees if you have weak knees - just take your time and be gentle). The hike is very clearly only one way and there's essentially no breaks in the path or ways to get lost which I like. The hike itself is amazing because along the way, you get to see a glimpse of all types of nature. You get to see waterfalls, green, thick forests, trees with massive tree trunks, mountain views with beautiful changing leaves in the fall, and at the end, a large beautiful lake at the base of a large mountain and beautiful pine trees. Big plus is, if you're in Seattle for a short trip, these are one of the hikes that are relatively close to the cities. read more
The trail is beautiful itself already. Be prepared for your shoes to be wet though because you will surely step inside some small streams and maybe some snow (yes I'm serious). There will also be a part where the road will be really rocky. But after all these challenges, the view is worth it. By the way, the address on Yelp is not correct. It will just lead you to the town. You will have to search for the Mountain Loop Road, then turn left there and drive for about 13 miles more. You won't miss the sign Lake twenty-two trail. And remember to buy the right pass. The Washington Discovery Pass won't work. read more
Finally had my chance to do this hike and it was well worth the wait! Because I read the Yelp reviews, I knew we had to show up early to grab a parking spot. We arrived at 0800 and snagged the second to last one in the lot. There's a couple of pit toilets at the trailhead; make a stop there because those are the only facilities that I saw. Sign in on the trail register and follow the clearly marked path into the beautiful forest. The beginning of the trail takes you through a series of switchbacks, and you barely notice the climb as you are too distracted by the towering trees and the sounds of the crashing waterfalls that you catch little glimpses of as your round corners. There are places where people step off the trail to get a bit closer to the falls, but this can be dangerous, especially if you're on the clumsy side. As you exit the cool canopy of the trees and begin to notice the gnawing ache in your glutes and quads, you may think you are almost to the top. You would be wrong. A new set of switchbacks awaits you now. This set lacks the shady comfort of the previous, and there's no sounds of cascading water to distract you from the myriad of bolders and smaller rocks that comprise this stretch of the trail. I'm glad we were there fairly early, and on an overcast morning, because I could see this part of the trail getting suuuper hot on a sunny day. You will be tempted to stop to breathe, or to contemplate your sanity at suggesting this hike as you almost get yanked off the trail by your doggo or pushed over the edge by your 8 year old who trips on a loose rock and launches herself at you as your life flashes before your eyes and you wonder just how far of a fall it would be if you went over the edge RIGHT NOW, or perhaps you just want to stop and take in the beautiful view between the trees. It's worth a pause, because, when the clouds part you do get a chance to see something breathtaking. Once you get through the rocky switchbacks of doom you will be wondering when the heck this trail will end. Take heart, you are almost there. The easiest part of this hike is the very end, a straight shot up to the beautiful lake that has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. The hike down is no joke. Make sure that you rest and recoup enough at the top; the rocky switchbacks of doom are harder to descend than they are to get up; plus there are more hikers on the trail to contend with which can make the narrow passages a bit tricky when people don't feel like waiting for you to pass. All told, it was a great hike; we saw people of all ages and abilities tackling it, and there were pups galore (a plus in my book). I would definitely do this one again. read more
Breathtaking views Parking: The main parking was full at 11:30 am, so we parked down the highway and walked to the trailhead. Please be cautious of where you park. I saw a ranger writing up tickets so you have been warned. Hike: How long: 2.5 hours Trail: clearly marked and easy to follow Important things to remember: 1. Wear hiking shoes! At one part of the trail it's completely all rocks so you don't want to loose your footing. I wore my Nike free runs and ended up rolling my ankle :( 2. The trail is muddy at certain points. Final verdict: Thumbs up read more
First time hiking in the PNW! Weather was great last week - partially cloudy and mild (it was 70s at the trailhead, 50s at the lake). Since it was a weekday the the trail was nearly empty. We went at a steady pace starting 4pm and made it down around 8pm with a 30 min snack break on the bridge! The last quarter mile or so was still quite snowy and slushy so I'm glad I brought gloves to help me navigate that. Also there are many water and rocky crossings in which my waterproof hiking boots came in handy. Great fairly quick hike with rewarding end! There were still some avalanches going on as well. The lake was as reflective and pristine as I imagined it would be. read more
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33515 Mt Lp Hwy
Granite Falls, WA 98252
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When is the best time to go? Like seasons.
summer and winter if you are looking for a little challenge!
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3 reviews that are not currently recommended
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