Great North Cascades Hike

Just did this hike early this morning. We got to the trailhead early, about 730am because it being summer and a Saturday I was prepared for crowds. It was a good call considering everything I heard about the popularity of this hike was true. We managed to get a parking space and make our up to the trail which is very well maintained all the way throughout. I recommend good, waterproof hiking boots due to streams and small waterfalls running over the trail, but none of them will submerge your feet. The lake is beautiful and there is a trail that continues around the entire lake providing up close views of the northern shoulder of Pilchuck. It was 85 degrees today but there is still some snow up there that is easily passable. Most of it is melted and will be gone within the oncoming weeks. My only real complaint is that there is not really any ideal places to post up to relax or grab a bite other than just sitting on the edge of the wooden walkway. Overall, I recommend the hike but unless it's the rainy or snowshoeing season, stick to the weekdays and no matter what, go early!!

All Seasons

Have done this hike multiple times in the Winter as well as Summer, it looks great covered in snow. The mountain walls around the lake are stunning for not very much effort.

Snowy Surprise

I did this hike when around 7 years ago. After a lot of up, we emerged into an incredible scene of a frozen lake surrounded by snowy cliffs. Absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the climb!

Loved It

I went mid April, when there was still some snow and it was was pretty!

Great PNW Hike!

Loved this hike! You get to see a little bit of everything which is awesome; rainforest, waterfalls, mountain views, and a lake! It's challenging in that the terrain is tough, but it's not too steep and the views are to die for. Definitely do the extra loop around the lake, it's worth it. The only reason I gave it four stars is because it's very populated, if you're looking for solitude this is not the hike for you!

Beautiful ~busy~ hike, family friendly!

Hiked Lake 22 a week ago with my 12 and 14 year old brother and sister. It was a sunny saturday and it was packed. It was a beautiful hike though and we added another mile by going all the way around the lake.

Very Rainy, But Beautiful!

I hiked up to lake 22 in May. It was a very wet hike due to rain making the trail slippery. However the views at the lake make the hike totally worth it! The water is a deep blue green all surrounded by snow and trees! I would definitely go again.

Great Family/Group/Couples Hike

One of my favorite hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway. It's a very well maintained path that starts off nice and easy and only gets a little more difficult due to a portion of the path being largely broken rocks. That being said I would suggest to bring sturdy shoes so you don't roll your ankles on the rocks. Plus it tends to be one of the more wet trails. It offers fantastic views in the first clearing 1.5 miles in then an amazing alpine lake nestled in the northern side of Mount Pilchuck! You should for sure go swimming in this lake and take the trail that goes around it! A Tip is to stay away from the boulder field and the snow opposite of the bridge side there as that can be dangerous. Overall one of those busy well known PNW hikes that I recommend to anybody who wants to hike with family, groups, or there significant other and keep it easy while getting a big reward at the top!

Breathtaking

Great hike on the first day to hit 70F this year! The trail itself is pretty wet with spots of mud. If you're nimble enough you can get by without waterproof shoes. If not, just wear wool socks. Snow was in abundance on the trail around the lake. Lots of dogs running around jumping on the snow. Very picturesque and high payoff for the amount of effort required. Wish I could submit a photo!

Lake 22

Such a rad hike all year round! Always changing scenery based on the month you visit.

Pretty Alpine Lake

Hiked in February, we experienced a maintained trail that became very slick with lots of snow and ice about halfway up. On the way to the lake, the views sneak up behind you. Beautiful, sweeping panoramic of alpine peaks contrast artfully against the evergreens. The lake was frozen and mostly covered in snow in February. Will definitely return for a fresh experience this summer.