Saturday morning was perfect for hiking. I headed up at 8:30, and had Heather Lake to myself for 45 minutes. The sun sparkled with a little breeze on the water, which made for nice photos. The snow-capped peaks of Pilchuck above were magnificent. I was greeted shortly after my arrival at the lake by a thunderous avalanche far above, which I could partially see. Walked nearly all the way around the lake. Trail is bare until just before the lake and in spots around the lake. Where there is two or three feet of snow, you can usually walk around it. Passed twenty-five or so folks heading up on my way down to the full parking area. Trail is in great shape, just a couple of easily-negotiable blow downs. If you have not yet been here in the spring, as I had not, I highly recommend it.

Another report on Heather Lake: The weather could not have been nicer, blue sky, warm sun, cool breeze, -and no bugs! We set off in the cool of the morning over the rocks and roots heading up the trail. I saw a few Trilliums, lots of Yellow Wood Violets, Skunk Cabbage, a few Bleeding Heart, and Salmon berry bushes in bloom. I love the sound of water that accompanies you on much of this hike. None of the little creeks seemed to be running as high as I might have expected this time of year.

Snow starts at the top afer the trial levels out. On this warm day it was very slick and slippery. Some of the boardwalk around the lake was still under snow. We did not go all the way around, I would like to on another day, though. For this popular family hike I think that is such a great idea. There is also what looks like a brand new privy! Very nice.

We ate our lunch on my favorite ""lunch rock"" while we took pictures of the lake. Before starting back down we walked to the bridge that crosses the outlet stream and sat there for a short time.

This was a very pleasant hike. The parking lot was full when we got back, but it did not really seem that crowded at the lake.

Forest Road 42 to Heather Lake with deep potholes; we did not check out road conditions further up to Mt. Pilchuck. Slow driving necessary even with our Toyota Truck. Trail wet, lots of roots and rocks. Snow for the last 100 yards or so. Two blow-downs, easy to get around. Portions of the boardwalk around the lake snowfree.

Heather Lake trail #701, is still a good winter day hike. The trail is a little wet, and there are several small blow downs, which can be steped over with ease. About one quarter of a mile from the lake, there is a large blow down, which you have to crawl under or over, around two feet in diameter. Also a new modern toilet has been installed at the trailhead, since the last time we were there. Snow is about 48 inches at the lake, but the trail is packed down, and you don't need snow shoes, at this time.