Lake 22: A Favorite First Hike

Lovely Lake 22, off the Mountain Loop Highway, outside of Granite Falls, is a favorite destination for many local hikers.  It's also a great hike to introduce kids and out-of-towners to the beauty of the Cascade Mountains.

The trailhead is just a mile or so past the Verlot Ranger Station, on the opposite side of the road.  The 2.7 mile trail climbs 1,500 feet through an old growth forest, across mountain streams, and meadowy avalanche chutes before arriving at the basin.  Most moderately fit hikers can make it to the lake in an hour-and-a-half or less.  Hiking with small children, and less fit adults, can be a bit more of a challenge.  It will take a little longer, but it's always better to take a little more time and enjoy the journey than to turn a family hike into a forced march.

A huge and shaggy Western Red Cedar

Obviously, people with health issues should consult their doctors, but hiking is a great way to condition and lose weight. The trick for making the hike fun for everyone is stopping along the way, and enjoying the sights. Bring a camera.  Giant shaggy cedars, waterfalls, fiery wild flowers, birds and critters like the curious pika provide great photo opportunities along the way.  They also  provide a chance for older hikers to catch their breath and kids to rest their legs.  Remember to drink water, especially on hot days.

Lake 22 is located on the shoulder of Mt. Pilchuck which also over shadows Pinnacle, Bear, Heather lakes, as well as a number of smaller tarns, but in my opinion, the fairest lake of them all is Lake 22.  The waters are crystal clear, and snow fed into late August.  When we were there in early July, snow surrounded 2/3rds of the lake.  The boardwalk was mostly buried deep under snow still.  When we returned in late August, a fairly large snow field still remained in the shadows of the cliffs.

A bus-sized rock can make for a treacherous scramble.

Close to the water edge, flies can be a problem.  We climbed on boulders to eat lunch, but take care,  the big rocks that have crashed down from the cliffs above can be slippery when wet, and are always a little treacherous.  If you aren't confident in scrambling up the big rocks, pick a smaller one for your picnic table. Old Hiker Tip of the Week:  An old piece of blue sleeping foam adds a huge amount of comfort while dining al fresco on the rocks.  Please remember to leave no trace. The lake gets a lot of visitors and even biodegradable orange peels and apple cores leave a mess and attract rodents.

The opposite shore is actually a less rocky place to wade into the lake.

Taking in a dip in Lake 22 can certainly be refreshing.  I have gone in from both the west and east side of the lake.  A lot of folks slide in from the east side as the footbridge at the lake's outlet draws them northeast (to the left) when they first arrive.  Personally, I found a little shore on the west side (right) to be a little sandier and easier on the feet.  Regardless, I come from Nordic stock, but a few minutes in the icy water was more than enough to cool me down.  Since this is a popular family hike, please wear a swimming suit.

The hike around the lake adds 1.2 miles.  Late in the season, it is dry and easy.  Earlier in the summer, it can be snowy.  Hiking boots provide more traction and protection from sharp rocks than running shoes. Trekking poles always make a hike easier on the knees, but in the snow, they are essential.

Lake 22 is a popular hike for good reasons:  It's easy to get to, provides a solid work out with 1500 feet of elevation gain, and is a stunningly beautiful destination.  If you've never hiked there, I recommend it.  If you're looking for a great family hike, there are certainly some easier hikes nearby, but none offer the scenic pay-off of Lake 22.