One of the boys' favorite hikes is Heather Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway. We have done this hike twice. Our first time just the boys and I went. It was in August and it was a beautiful sunny day. The second time we went with friends in July and it was raining the entire time. Both times we had a great time.
This hike is 4 miles roundtrip with 1000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is hikeable by all ages.
At about a mile in, the old growth forest begins and the trail will follow Heather Creek. The sounds of the waterfall beckon you forward.
The trail is well maintained and within the next mile you will travel up several switchbacks to a bridge where the trail becomes level. Continue down through the forest to the meadow just before the lake.
Both times we went there was a bit of snow before you reached the lake. This is easily traversed and the trail is easy to follow. As you can see, we brought our dog. He had a great time too!
During our sunny hike the boys found so many frogs it was amazing! They had a great time collecting them. Don't worry no frogs were harmed in the making of this photo.
When we reached the lake we were overwhelmed by its beauty. Views of the lake and Mount Pilchuck were awe-inspiring.
Even on the rainy day the views were just as majestic though a bit more muddy.
Heather Lake is hikeable mid June through October, but I would suggest later in the summer to ensure less snow on the trail and better weather. The kids will want to play in the water as soon as you get there.
The boys have been asking to go back so we may try this in the fall to enjoy the changing colors.
To get here drive north on Hwy 9 and take a right on Hwy 92 towards Granite Falls. Pass through Granite Falls and turn left on the Mountain Loop Highway. Continue past the Verlot Ranger station about a mile and take a right on Mount Pilchuck road (no. 42). Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. A forest pass is required and there are outhouses at the parking lot.
Riley and I ventured to Goat Lake off of the Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington last week for a 10 1/2 mile hike. He was up for it and did an amazing job! While driving there I felt like we were seriously going into the middle of nowhere. This picture was shot from the dirt road leading to the trailhead.
I would rate this hike as medium in difficulty as far as the trail conditions and elevation with a gain of only 1300 feet. However, I would rate it hard as far as the distance traveled. So, I wouldn't recommend this hike for anyone under 9 years old.
The trail starts out in a new growth forest and you can hear Elliot Creek flowing after about a half mile. You will have to make a decision at the fork whether to take the upper or lower trail to Goat Lake. We took the lower trail to the lake and the upper on the way back. That way we didn't miss anything.
There were many blowdowns on the lower trail most of which didn't affect the trail.
Most of the way Riley and I could walk together, there are some areas where you will need to walk single file.
You will see some great waterfalls along the lower path.
At about 3.5 miles you will merge with the upper path and enter the old growth part of the forest. I love these ancient trees that have been standing so long. They are amazing!
I took so many pictures of these amazing trees and wish I could post them all. At about 4.5 miles you will see a dry creekbed and you will cross it to the right to enter the forest again.
You will then take a sharp left at this stump and head up the rocky hill.
A short while after the turn you will hear roaring McIntosh Falls and you can take a slight detour to view the falls. They are majestic.You are almost there. Just about 1/2 mile left. Right before you reach the lake you will see this sign and you will go straight to the lake.
After walking through a trail of greenery, you will finally reach the lake. It was definitely worth it.
We stayed here about 1/2 hour and had lunch before we had to head back down. It was so peaceful. We only saw 4 other people while we were there.
Now time to head back down. We went straight to the upper trail this time when we hit the fork.
The upper trail is like a whole different hike. The path was a bit narrow at some points.
Riley had to hold up this blown down tree for us to pass.
There was a rock slide about 1 mile into the upper trail that we had to go around, not too bad.
There were quite a few bugs. I used a bug repellent bracelet that didn't seem to work real well but probably was better than nothing. It took us 5 hours from start to finish including our lunch break at the lake. We would have stayed longer if we didn't have to drive an hour and a half to get back home.
To get here, drive the Mountain Loop Highway East from Granite Falls. You will pass the Verlot Ranger Station on the left. This hike does require a Forest Pass, so you can stop at the Ranger station if you don't already have one. Continue past the Ranger Station for about 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass (end of the paved road) and enter a gravel road. You will drive on this dirt road for about 4 miles and cross the Elliott Creek Bridge. About .2 miles after the bridge, you will turn right on road No. 4080 and drive for about a mile to the trailhead.
There is a great outhouse at the parking lot that seems pretty new. It smells of cedar which covers up any other bad smells that may linger. I had to add a picture. I love myself a nice bathroom. There was even a hand sanitizer dispenser that was full!
Overall, this was a great hike. Challenging distance, not too steep, and beautiful surroundings. The path was easily traversed and Riley was able to keep up with me no problem. The lake was spectacular and the views of Cadet Peak were snow capped.
So, we started out today planning to go to Denny Creek Water Slide off of I-90 Snoqualmie Pass. Unfortunately, the weather said rain/thundershowers. Luckily I checked online to see what the trail conditions were and found out the bridge was out at Denny Creek which meant we would have to wade through water. No thanks. Change of plans. This is a great example of why we check the trail conditions before we head out on a hike.
I decided to go to Boulder River waterfall off of the Mountain Loop Highway. I found out the trail is in good condition March through November and it was supposed to be a bit warmer up north. Our hiking partners for the day were very flexible so off we went through the pouring rain. When you live in Washington, rain can't slow you down. If you let a little rain stop you, you may never get out of the house.
There are a couple of options on this hike. You can stop at about 1 1/4 miles (3 miles round trip) at the twin falls or you can go all the way to the top (about 7 miles round trip). We decided on the shorter option due to the weather, but will return to do the entire length before summer's end.
This hike was on the easier side, smooth and level enough for small children. Even though we were prepared for the rain (wearing garbage bags to stay dry) we stayed pretty dry the entire time. The forest envelopes you in a waterproof canopy. Even most of the trail stayed dry. We were so warm, the garbage bags came off halfway up.
The trees and foliage were beautiful and peaceful. You will see this downed tree shortly after beginning your hike. Friends make hiking that much more fun.
We continued to follow the sound of rushing water and came upon the majestic twin falls. It was hard to capture the entire image.
We did continue for a little while longer just for fun and we saw a cave across the way. My son Riley is convinced that Sasquatch lives there.
We then went across a narrow bridge and decided to turn back around and head down.
This hike left me wanting more for sure. I really like the hikes that allow you to choose your distance. You still can hit a great viewpoint without going all the way to the top. A great hike for all.
You do not need a forest pass to park at this trailhead and there is one port-a-potty on the dirt road leading to the trailhead. It smelled fresh but was out of toilet paper, so make sure to bring some in your Hiking Essentials Kit.
It really is the last chance.
To get here take exit 208 off of I-5 and drive 4 miles east on State Route 530 to Arlington. Then continue east on SR 530 for 20 more miles. At milepost 41, near a subdivision, turn right onto Forest Road 2010 (French Creek Road) and continue for 3.7 miles to the trailhead.
What a great day for a hike! We went to Lake 22 on July 18th. Not too hot, not too cold. One thing about hiking is that the weather can change mid hike because of the elevation, so we always bring jackets just in case. Beware, this post contains lots of pictures.
Because the trail is well used, some areas have exposed roots and are quite rocky. This makes it hard for little feet, so I would stick with children over 7. There are also some areas with water over the walkway so watch your step.
The trail stretches about 5 1/2 miles round trip and the elevation gain is 1300ft. on the way up, so there are some tough sections. There was a bit of snow towards the top, but nothing unmanageable.
Nature was at its finest. We even saw a chipmunk on the way.
The scenery was beautiful, with ancient cedar trees and rushing waterfalls the entire way.
Once you get to the top, everything opens up and you see a lake that seems to make its own shade of bluish green. When we were there the lake was still covered in slush.
The boys tried to break up the slush by throwing rocks at it. I don't know about your kids, but mine could throw rocks in the water for hours (maybe a boy thing?).
This hike is a must do. The boys had a great time and the scenery is amazing! We will definitely do it again. I would say the trail is hikeable most years June through October. However this year June may have been a bit snowy due to the weather.
To get here drive past Granite Falls and follow the MountainLoopHighway east for 11 miles to the Verlot Public Service Center. Proceed 2 more miles to the trailhead, on your right. You will need a wilderness pass so you can stop at the Verlot ranger station on the way. The trailhead parking lot does have potties.
