Lake 22

Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Length: 5.4 miles roundtrip

Elevation: Gain/1350 ft. Highest/2400 ft.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Time: 4 hours

 

This is a hike where you will want to spend all day, if not all night up at the top. Lake 22 definitely is in my top 5! The trail spends a lot of time in the woods and has many man-made stairs and steps. You gain a lot of elevation since it's only about 2 miles heading up...so don't think that your calves or booty are gonna get a break. There are gorgeous streams and waterfalls with great little spots to take a breather and hydrate. Just before the last push up to the top is a rock field, so be careful with your step. The view is pretty cool here since everything opens up, but oh just wait! Once you head into the forest again the trail parallels a stream and the trees disperse a bit. Then BAM! There's a long wooden boardwalk that heads to the left and then the trail continues to the right. Continue left to get up close and personal with the North face of Mt. Pilchuck. The huge towering rock wall juts straight up into the sky for what seems like forever. There are plenty of places to move around and have lunch or throw sticks into the pristine lake for your doggies.

View from the rock field.

Um, yeah. Awesome.

I'd set up camp here.

Look at how pretty that water is! I hear there's trout :)

 

Once you're done there, do not skimp out on the trail that went toward the right. It takes you to some amazing spots where you can fish or set up camp if you want to do an overnighter. Please do not be tempted to make a full circle around the lake, however, since rocks do fall like missiles from this wall and can totally knock you out. Hikes are no fun when you're dead, especially for your friends...

 

When you are driving the Mountain Loop Hwy, this trail is closer to the Granite Falls side, so I would recommend coming from Arlington via 1-5 or Hwy 9. Do not come in the back way from Darrington because although it may seem shorter using Google Maps, don't forget that it's gravel with many potholes. In fact, this is probably one of the first few trails past the Verlot Ranger Station. The trailhead is clear and there's plenty of parking. Go on a week day if you can as this hike is popular for a reason!