Hemlock or Huckleberry would be a more suitable name for this lake, as you'll be hard-pressed finding heather growing along the shores of this backcountry beauty. A misnomer yes, but a lake you'll not want to miss. Cradled beneath knolls of meadows along the Cascade crest and set in a deep forest of primeval proportions, Heather Lake is a pure gem. And the trail is a near delight! But you won't be alone here, as plenty of your fellow hikers are well aware of all of this.

Starting at the edge of an old clear-cut, the very well-constructed and well-maintained trail immediately enters a forest of big, beautiful ancient giants. You may end up agreeing with me that as worthy a hiking objective as Heather Lake is, this old-growth forest rivals it in beauty and majesty.

The first mile or so of this trail is pure pedestrian delight, gaining nary a foot in elevation. Cross side creeks and weave beneath towering hemlocks. At about 1.5 miles reach a heavy-duty bridge spanning Lake Creek as it cascades through a small gorge. The bridge was constructed in 2003, relegating the old log-jam crossing of the creek to the annals of hiking history.

Soon afterward, enter the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness and finally begin gaining elevation. The way turns steeper, but a cornucopia of ripe huckleberries may slow you down more than the grade. Pass a small ledge that provides a good glimpse out to Labyrinth Mountain, and then continue the upward momentum.

Eventually the way levels out once more and Lake Creek returns to your side. At 3.3 miles reach 3950-foot Heather Lake near its outlet. Stake out your spot on one of its polished, sun-kissed shoreline ledges and savor the surroundings. Grizzly Peak bears down from above. Ripples brush up against giant cedar logs. Alaska yellow cedars drape the shore. Not a heather in sight, but what a sight!