Laurel Castillo

Laurel Castillo

Heather Lake Trail

06/10/16

I decided to hike this solo on a weekday because I know it gets pretty good foot traffic all week, and I wanted to make sure there were others on the path. I heard it's horribly congested on the weekends, so get there early. I'm new to hiking, and trying to get into shape, so I picked this hike because I had just completed Wallace Falls, and this one is similar in length and elevation. I didn't keep in mind the difference in terrain however. Heather lake is a lot less "manicured," and I found myself walking through lots of mud, tripping over roots, and navigating large slabs of rock. It took a lot more energy than I was used to, but it was worth it. I passed one couple coming down as I headed up, and I had the lake to myself for about 30 minutes before other hikers joined. I found a huge boulder at the opposite end of the lake (from when you first approach the lake). I climbed up it, and enjoyed my lunch surrounded by beautiful views. On the way down I passed about 40 people, and 12 muddy dogs (all off leash except for 1). I would definitely do this hike again (not on a weekend, and arriving by 9 once again). Also, road going up is a bit rough, so if you have a suv, bring it.

4.0