The predicted weather was too good to pass up, and we had been waiting for the right day to do this hike again. We had done it before, the two of us, in 2005 and I had done it once before that, a lifetime ago in 1968.

We found our way to the Foss River Road off US 2, then via FRs 68 and 6835 to the trailhead. We welcomed the low air temperature, because it discouraged bugs, and because we knew a 3,600 foot elevation gain awaited us. As for the exact mileage we would travel, our sources disagreed: the trailhead sign said 7.5 miles to Big Heart Lake, the guidebook said only 6.5. Either way, it would be a long day.

The sun was bright on the surrounding peaks. But there had been heavy dew overnight, and leaves leaning over the trail were wet and cool.

We pressed on, reaching the river crossing. We knew the old bridge, and a major section of trail, had disappeared in the flood of 2006. A new bridge finally is under construction, but not yet available for use. We found the detour to the temporary crossing clearly flagged with bits of orange tape, beckoning us for some distance over cobbles until we reached the log. The log was moist from dew, and footing not the best, but we crossed easily using poles for balance.

Beyond the crossing, the trail passes over the remnant of a major debris flow. The path of the flow, originating high on Malachite Peak above us, was evident. But the trail itself had been recently reworked and footing was excellent.

Soon enough we reached Trout Lake in its forested setting, then began the uphill climb in earnest, heading toward Copper Lake. The way zig zags up, sometimes close to the white water stream, sometimes further away. Eventually, a large waterfall came into view, cascading down its rocky face, and we knew that Copper Lake was up there somewhere, well above the waterfall.

The trail here, and for much of the trip, has its share of rocks and roots. But recent rains had settled the dust and grit, and had brightened the mosses to a vivid green. So, while the the ascent required considerable effort, it was an exhilarating climb.

Before reaching Copper Lake, we noted the small, weathered sign indicating the side route to Lake Malachite. My hiking buddy Marin and I demurred, then decided for now to press on to Copper Lake, and beyond.

Copper Lake is aptly named, for the wonderful blue green water. Our route passed along its SE side, eventually climbing a bit to reach Little Heart Lake in its forested setting. Then it was up more switchbacks, and a traverse to a high point, before dropping down to Big Heart Lake. Along the way we encountered a Forest Service trail crew using cross-cut saws to remove a large blowdown.

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Big Heart Lake, taking in the views. There were a few mozzies, but they were not a problem as long as we stayed out in the breeze. The trail crew eventually joined us at the lake and, as we were about to leave, a young hiker arrived, minimally clad and toting a fishing rod.

On the descent from Big Heart Lake we paused to enjoy the view back down on Trout Lake (way down there) with Glacier Peak looming up on the far horizon.

Below Copper Lake, we again paused at the sign for the trail to Lake Malachite. We had only a modicum of remaining energy, but resolved to do the side trip to view that one additional lake. In elevation, Malachite is up only a couple of hundred feet, and the distance is not great. The trail is rather primitive, but in ten minutes or so we were looking out across Malachite Lake, and its surrounding cirque with a few snow banks remaining at the far end.

We returned to the main trail and continued our descent. Soon, we heard someone overtaking us from behind, and were surprised to find that it was the young fisherman we had seen at Big Heart Lake. He could not have spent more than a few minutes there, and it seemed a rather arduous hike for such a short interlude of fishing. I did not notice anything else about him, but Marin had some observations. As he was passing her, he asked somewhat nervously whether there was anyone behind him, and he seemed relieved when she told him "no." And, once he was past her, she noticed that he was packing a large pistol in a holster. She asked quietly whether he was a ranger, and he chuckled and replied "no." That was the extent of the exchange, and we did not see him after that. But it was a somewhat unusual encounter.

The rest of our descent was uneventful. At the river crossing the log had dried out and the footing was good. We were glad, finally, to reach the trailhead. It had been a very long, but enjoyable day on the trail.

Well, as we approah the coming rainy season, momma nature gave us a decent day for a hike. We decided to head further east to get away from the marine layer and it paid off with partly sunny skies, albeit still a bit chilly. Our destination today was Copper Lake - about an 8 mile round trip.

As the hike description says, this is a fairly strenuous hike, particularly from Trout Lake to Copper Lake - but the reward at the end was worth it! The trail is actually in really good shape - but the tread is consistently rooty and rocky making for slow going. It took us 3 hours to get to Copper Lake.

The trail to the river crossing is well maintained; the detour to the log crossing is well marked; the crossing was dry and easy (but this could quickly change as the rains come); the trail up to Trout Lake was narrow and overgrown in places, but easily followed. If you're hiking with kids, I'd suggest you make Trout Lake your destination and call it a day. From Trout Lake the going gets extremely rough with a continuous climb (I believe you gain most of the 2,800' elevation in this section of the trail). The alpine views and falls were absolutely stunning (you're heading for the top of them!); the creek crossing was easy (the bridge here is in great shape). And we LOVED the creek crossing at the lake's outlet.

We spent about an hour or so at the lake resting, eating some lunch, and soaking up the sun breaks. The trip back took about 2 1/2 hours - still some rough slogging but thankfully you're going downhill! So, about an 8 hour hike. Overall a great day.

The good news is that the contractor is even now building the bridge. The other news is that it probably will not be completed until November. The West Foss trail to Trout, Malachite, Copper, and Little and Big Heart lakes is one of the favorite backpacking hikes off of Highway 2. The problem is that back in 2006 the beginning of the trail was wiped out by flooding and the river crossing as well.

WTA has been key in rebuilding a new trail to a new bridgehead over the West Foss River. The new trail is wonderful. About a half mile in there is a junction. To the left is the path up to the new bridge, marked with a "no public access" sign. We went up there anyway and talked with the contractor. Beams and bridging are staged and work on the span is in progress. To the right is a flag marked path over stony cobbles to a log crossing which is now quite safe since the water level has dropped. From there to Trout Lake is pretty brushy with several big blowdowns which are easily ducked under. From the Foss Avalanche to Trout Lake the trail is really nice and shows signs of recent improvements. Along the way, note the Mother of all Douglas Firs - a huge tree with a base as big around as an SUV.

Beyond the lake, the trail is alternately stony, overgrown, and in a few places, decent. It curves around the mountain on the right through the first of 20 switchbacks. These climb steeply and steadily up over stones, through thick brush, and occasionally decent trail up the canyon to a bridge. Look for scenic views of the spectacular waterfall on the canyon wall opposite. After the bridge the trail climbs to a pleasant bowl, then more switchbacks to a signed junction. To the right is a steep but short trail up to Malachite Lake which reportedly still has snow down to the waterline in places. There is a big cluster of pinesaps at the junction. To the left is the way to Copper Lake.

Copper Lake has many nice campsites, big rocks on the water on which to sit and enjoy the view, and box toilets. It also has several very nasty blowdowns with branches and mess that discourage further exploration. Backpackers we met were going on to Big Heart Lake which reportedly still has some snow. We ate the few salmon berries along the way. Some huckleberries are out already and a few mushrooms are beginning to show.

We stopped early due to a detour which other hikers described as very primitive and difficult. There was no signage at the trailhead but at about a half mile in, there was a sign declaring the detour. Photo attached.