This is a short hike,
5 miles round trip, up to a small lake. It is fairly steep uphill all the way to the lake, with many creeks and streams crossing the trail. About a mile in is a simply gorgeous waterfall. Lake twenty-two is in a protected area, and has been since 1945, so there's plenty of huge trees to gawk at and wonder why you don't see them more often. I am told that in the peak season, it is overrun with people, but during early April, it is wonderfully desolate. I only ran into one other party. The snow level is reached at about the 1.5 mile mark, beginning as traces on the ground and becoming as deep six feet when one nears the lake. The trail, however, easy to follow; there is little danger of losing your way. An easy snow hike. The views at the lake rival anything that Ansel Adams has ever captured: stark black towering cliffs peeking through a thick blanket of snow. The lake itself is still covered in snow. Snow-free lunch spots, however, are few.

Took a group of Boy
Scouts and parents up the trail as our first hike in preparation for a 60+ miler in August. We all had full packs on to get the true flavor of the mountain goat experience. It rained off and on, but we enjoyed the spectacular views of the falls along the route as well as the magnificent view of the snow-covered mountain range. Snow appears on the trail approximately 1 mile from the lake- sporadic at first. By the time we reached the lake we were all wet and hungry- but what boy scout isn't' Some of the early arrivers witnessed a small avalanche across the frozen lake. They also spotted a beaver or otter. We changed into dry clothes, ate lunch, and departed. The trip down requires careful footing- for both old and young alike. We're recommend good boots- (no tennis shoes)- bring your 10 essentials, and dress for rain. It wouldn't be hard to get caught wet and hypothermic here. All in all an invigorating trip.

The trail is in good condition
with snow starting about half way to the lake. The trail through the snow is easy to follow. We were greeted at the lake by a friendly snowman. There is a small area of open water by the outlet with most of the lake covered by ice and a fresh layer of snow. We saw an otter at the edge of the ice. He brought his catch of small fish to the edge of the ice, ate them, and then dove back into the water for more. Fun to watch, hope the pictures turn out!

[Online-editor note: I guess I'll have to get up there and see thatsnowman before it melts. I hope he realizes that camping is prohibted atlake 22]

Five miles from the trailhead
and it starts to rain. It also seems to be snowing at 1000 feet. So off we go, jumping many downpour inspired creeks. We also saw many waterfalls along the way. Solid snow coming down above 1500 feet. Just a few inches on the ground at first, almost a foot of fresh at the lake where it was snowing very hard. Heard an avalanche on the other side of the lake. The only wildlife was an American Dipper at the lake outlet. The lake is completely frozen over. I guess the spring melt is not under way just yet. We had a blast, with only my wimpy winter calf muscles paying the price. We did see the requisite two fools in jeans, no coats, and no packs stomping through the snow.