I apologize for the delay in the posting if Lake 22. Super busy lately and wanted to add a few more photos before I posted the blog...Enjoy!
Just an amazing hike along the Mountain Loop Highway. This hike almost has everything from waterfalls, old growth, snow, and an amazingly beautiful lake at your turn around point with Mt. Pilchuck with around 20 waterfalls cascading down as the backdrop. This is an easy to access hike as it is right off the highway, which is very nice because most hikes with these many features typically require long drives on forest service road that are full of potholes and dust.
The trailhead starts about 200 yards off the road and after a 1/2 mile of paralleling the highway you start to climb further into the forest. I was amazed how quickly the old growth starts on this trail! There is nothing more amazing then to be surrounded by 300-400 year old trees. I love it!!! This is a fairly easy hike with an average amount of elevation which means the switchbacks are not that difficult and a total of 6 miles round trip (not counting a recommended trip around the lake).
A few additional recommendations...
Venture off the trail at the end of various switchbacks along the trail to catch beautiful waterfalls with all their glory. Usually, going off the trail is not a good idea and not encouraged just for the fact that too much traffic will damage the area. So, please tread lightly.
Mid to late spring makes Lake 22 a great destination because the spring melt from Mt. Pilchuck makes the stream and waterfalls packed to goodness with an overflow of water.
For the most part there is always the sound of flowing water in the air which makes for an even a more peaceful get away.
Come back in August or September. Ice caves may possibly form on the south end of the lake/north side of Mt. Pilchuck. Going at this time will make it almost a guarantee that you will be able to hike around the lake without snow hampering you getting to the south end of the lake.
This is a popular hiking destination for all the above reasons so I would strongly suggest arriving early in the morning, around 8am or later in the evening around 3pm. This will allow you a little more peace with nature before the novice hikers, crowds, and dogs without leashes over run the trail.
Additional photos of this hike are posted on my blog...check out my Flickr photostream!
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| Beautiful! |
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| Lake 22 with Mt. Pilchuck |
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| One of the first of many waterfalls. |
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| Grand Old Growth and I :) |
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| This is one of the falls that you will need to find the faint trail leading to it...but worth it! |
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| Looking north, the opposite direction of Lake 22. |
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| Me. |
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| Nile loving the hike and the tranquility! |
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| Me in a tree. |
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| Grooved for your pleasure. |
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| One of many waterfalls on the north face of Mt. Pilchuck. Awesome!!! |
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| Smile :) |
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| Hi Nile! |
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| Hello from paradise :) |
Well, that is all from Lake 22. If I think of anything more to add I will be sure to update this or any portion of my posted blogs. Until then...
Adventure On...
My friends!!!
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