Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Lake Twentytwo / Lake 22 Snowshoe
Although the snow is frequently thin at the base of this trail, the route climbs quickly and snowshoes are needed not only for flotation but also for traction on the steep slopes. The workout is extensive, but the rewards are phenomenal. The trail follows a beautiful tumbling creek as it rushes down a narrow gorge. Along the way, the creek drops over no fewer than four pretty waterfalls, with each successive one sporting larger and more intricate ice mantles.
If the snow is thin at this low-elevation trailhead, strap your snowshoes on the back of your pack and hike up the trail until the snow deepens. The trail climbs gradually for 0.25 mile, then turns straight up the creek valley and rolls through a long series of switchbacks. Frequently, even if the snow isn't deep, snowshoes will be required simply because the beefy crampons on their base afford a sure grip on the slick trail. The first waterfall is passed 0.5 mile up the trail, and then more are seen at 1 mile, 1.2 miles, and 1.5 miles. Just past the third waterfall, the trail levels out (relatively speaking) as it rolls west along the hillside for several hundred yards before turning back toward the creek. It passes through a couple of these longer, more moderate switchbacks before making a long, straight traverse back to the creek at the fourth falls. From there, it's a 0.25-mile climb to the lakeshore. This trail is steeper and the lake more remote than the nearby Heather Lake route (Route 21), but it is also less visited in winter months. Some of the open slopes above the trail, especially on the upper reaches, are prone to slide in moderate to high avalanche conditions, so use caution. Author’s Rating: Backcountry These routes follow topography rather than trails or roads. Skill with a map and compass is essential. A variety of conditions may be encountered along backcountry routes, including steep elevation gains and losses. These routes require complete competence in winter survival skills, avalanche and snow condition evaluation and some basic mountaineering skills.
Driving Directions:
To get there, from Granite Falls drive east on the Mountain Loop Highway 1 mile past the Verlot Public Service Center and continue east 2 miles to the Lake Twentytwo trailhead on the right (south) side of the highway. Recent Trip Reports
Hiked here recently?
Submit a trip report!
There are
55
trip reports for this hike.
See all trip reports for this hike.
Lake Twentytwo / Lake 22 Snowshoe
— Mar 03, 2012
— kvstark
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
We headed out to Lake 22 looking at the last trip reports, which said a bit of snow once you got nea...
We headed out to Lake 22 looking at the last trip reports, which said a bit of snow once you got near the lake. Those were a bit out of date however. There was about 6-12 inches of snow in the parking lot - we managed to make it around the circle in our little car, only getting stuck once. The trail was snow covered in about 6-12 inches of snow as well - wet snow, so every step sunk in and it was slow going. By the time we got to the exposed switchbacks, there was about 2 feet of snow on the trail. Just past the second switch, we were starting to get into snow about 4 feet deep so we put on our snowshoes and slogged through. We lost the trail a bit once we got to the waterfall near the lake, but managed to find it again. The outlet of the lake has about 12-14 feet of snow; after 4.5 hours up, we turned around without actually catching sight of the lake.
We blazed quite a trail so until the next snow it should be a lot easier going if you can follow our tracks. Currently not possible without snowshoes. Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail | Avalanche danger
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
We had intended to reach the Deer Creek gate and snowshoe to the base of Big Four today. The road h...
We had intended to reach the Deer Creek gate and snowshoe to the base of Big Four today. The road hadn't been plowed as of 9:00AM so we bailed at the Lake 22 trailhead. Thanks to the rangers at Verlot for suggesting this as an alternative.
We brought our snowshoes but they really weren't needed. The trail was still compacted and despite the fresh snow most people booted it. Traction devices are recommended and the upper half mile can be snowshoed. The two avy areas looked stable today. After seeing tonights sad news reports, please be sure to check conditions with the NWAC and know where problems may exist. Although this is a low elevation lake and the risk seems low, there was a fatality here in 2008 at the gully near 2400'. Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
This trail is still clear and mostly snow free. The main avalanche slope is bare of snow. At the l...
This trail is still clear and mostly snow free. The main avalanche slope is bare of snow. At the lake, the snow is 2-3 foot deep but the trail all the way around the lake is well stomped down and easy to follow. The snow off trail is well condensed and frozen in place. It's not going anywhere.
The parking lot is clear and the first 2 miles of trail are in good shape and easy to travel. Where there is a few patches of snow, it is packed down and slippery. We put on trax only within a quarter mile of the lake. Snowshoes and gaiters were unnecessary - in fact I was in shorts! This is a fine winter hike unless an avalanche warning is posted. Day hike
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
Fun 5.4 mile hike/snow shoe to ice and snow covered Lake 22. Snow shoes are not required but were p...
Fun 5.4 mile hike/snow shoe to ice and snow covered Lake 22. Snow shoes are not required but were pleasant to have after getting past the rocks exposed by the flowing water that appears from time to time across the trail. some bugs at the lake, amazingly, though it was snowing. And there was water exposed near the outlet. The bridge over the outlet is totally covered in snow about 2 feet above the hand rails. We crossed it, stamped out snow chairs and a table, and had lunch at the lake while watching the sun try to come out.
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Water on trail
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
Mountain Loop highway is closed at Redbridge so We chose Lake 22 for an easy snowshoe trip. I suspec...
Mountain Loop highway is closed at Redbridge so We chose Lake 22 for an easy snowshoe trip. I suspect the road closure was the reason for the large numbers of hikers.
Problems: No snow until the saddle by the lake. Once at the lake the snow was hard as ice. We could have left the snowshoes at home. Traction devices were nice for the couple of hundred yards at the top, but that's it. The trail is in great shape. 2 blow downs are easily negotiated. A little water on the trail. We got an early start so we only saw 3 people ahead of us. On the way down however was a diffrent story. There were lots of people, most of which were hiking without packpacks, but with tennis shoes and some with no jackets. This was a plesant day, but stormes were predicted. Always carry the 10 essentials. This is a beautiful hike through 2nd growth timber, with waterfalls, and to a beautiful lake (which was mostly frozen.) It would be suitable for children too. |
 Lake 22 in winter. Photo by Kelly.
Map it
|
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
