Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Craig Romano/The Mountaineers Books Barclay Lake
Featured In:
Day Hiking: Central Cascades,
by Craig Romano.
A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails. Beginning in an old clear-cut, the trail takes off through a dark tunnel of regenerating forest. Despair over the majestic forest that once blanketed this valley, and say a prayer for the misguided land managers who sanctioned its destruction. Thankfully all was not lost, and mature forest is soon reached. Interspersed with remnant giants and quickly taking on old-growth characteristics, it is a far more attractive and ecologically viable forest than the one you began in. This stand, almost all western hemlocks, is blessed with a high amount of annual precipitation, evidenced by the thick carpets of mosses draping the trees. Continue up the sliver of a valley, hemmed in by Baring to the south and the craggy, rocky summits of Gunn and Merchant peaks to the north. As rugged and wild as the surroundings may appear, the way to Barclay Lake is as gentle as any trail can be. Soon after crossing Barclay Creek, reach the lake. Stroll alongside it and try to find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy it, for chances are you'll be far from alone here. Barclay has its legions of admirers, from Scouts to artists, from first-time hikers to the very seasoned. Gaze out across the lake and up to the striking northern face of Baring Mountain. An imposing and well-known landmark visible from much of the Skykomish Valley, it is truly stunning when viewed from the lake.
Driving Directions:
From Everett, head 40 miles east on US 2 to the settlement of Baring. Near milepost 41 and across from a convenience store, turn left (north) onto 635th Place NE. Cross railroad tracks and after 0.3 mile come to a junction. Turn left onto Forest Road 6034 and proceed for 4.2 miles to the trailhead (elev. 2200 ft). Recent Trip Reports
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Barclay Lake
— Jan 27, 2012
— Jellis
Overnight
Issues:
Blowdowns | Snow on trail
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We wanted to get an early start. We knew the forest service road 6034 would have snow on it....
We wanted to get an early start. We knew the forest service road 6034 would have snow on it. The Ford Explorer only got about a hundred yards up the road before it got stuck. After many attempts we decided to hike forest service road 6034 all the way to the trail head of Barclay Lake, about 4.2 miles. Not to far in we came to our first tree across the road. There were many more later on. I ended up turning around at the trail head with a friend. He twisted his hip pretty bad and we needed to get medical advice. We started the long trip back to the bottom. Meanwhile the other two kept going to Barclay Lake. They said the trail was difficult to follow but eventually made it. All four of us had on snowshoes the entire time. I would not attempt it without them.
The next day I went up in a lifted truck with off road tires to attempt the Forest Service road. We ended up removing some of the trees off the road. It was slow going and we eventually gave up, due to a lack of daylight. Overnight
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Like many say, these are the current conditions, but as soon as the next long overdue snow shower hits, condtions...
Like many say, these are the current conditions, but as soon as the next long overdue snow shower hits, condtions will drastically change.
I was cautious about hiking this trail based off of the previous report. Road is very smooth with only about 3 potholes until crunchy and icey snow starts 1/3 mile from trailhead. I stopped a few hundred yards short of the trailhead as my Honda Accord started to slip and slide at an uncontrollable rate. Snowshoes are not necessary on the trail yet. Patchy compacted snow throughout trail. Lake frozen over, almost solid. Beautiful trail and a great time to visit this winter wonderland with Mt. Baring draped in snow.
Barclay Lake, Heybrook Lookout
— Nov 26, 2011
— austineats
Day hike
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A Late start and an old dog influenced my choice. I've always wanted to climb Baring so I though that...
A Late start and an old dog influenced my choice. I've always wanted to climb Baring so I though that I'd go to Barclay Lake to do a mini-recon. The road was slicker than snot as I climbed in elevation. Just as I started to get concerned...oops. I spent an hour digging the car out and backing down the forest service road.
Lesson learned (again) that shoulder season is difficult in the roads. Pack your shovel and chains. I drove over to Heybrook Lookout. The trail was snow free the whole way. Lots of water, no views.
Barclay Lake
— Nov 12, 2011
— kvstark
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Beautiful, beautiful hike. The trail was basically snow-free the whole way, but everything around the path was covered in...
Beautiful, beautiful hike. The trail was basically snow-free the whole way, but everything around the path was covered in white. The snow we did encounter was soft and not slippery at all. I suspect in a few weeks this will all be snowed over, but go this week to catch it before that happens.
Day hike
Features:
Fall foliage
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This is a lovely hike, very easy, and the trail was maintained extremely well. It was pretty frosty up...
This is a lovely hike, very easy, and the trail was maintained extremely well. It was pretty frosty up there and about 35 degrees, the lake is starting to freeze over and was making funny cracking sounds as the ice repositioned itself. Snow on the nearby peaks was spectacular. The lake was very still where it had not frozen and the reflection was so perfect it was disorienting. Had a hawk swoop over my head, it must have been close because the swoop was loud enough to be a bit surprising.
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The shores of Barclay Lake. Photo by Tom Trimbath
2010, 2011
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