The Heather Lake Trail can be a wonderful route for snowshoers as it climbs just 2 miles--gaining more than 1000 feet--through thick second-growth forest to arrive at a stunningly beautiful alpine lake nestled in a deep rock cirque on the north face of Mount Pilchuck. The trail is heavily traveled in the summer, but winter visitors will find the crowds thin and the forests even more beautiful when blanketed in soft white. The lake features several excellent campsites around its perimeter, each with its own charm and glorious view of Mount Pilchuck or the Stillaguamish Valley. The short distance makes this a great destination to consider for first-timers in the art of winter camping.

The trail leaves the left side of the parking area near the gate and immediately begins climbing through the dense young forest, switching back a time or two before traversing west into the Heather Creek valley. The trail climbs steadily alongside the creek, gaining more than 1000 feet in the 2 miles to the lake. After nearly a mile of climbing, notice how the surrounding forest begins to age. Old, stout trees of massive size are mingled with the young, crowded stands of second-growth fir and hemlock. At the 1.2-mile mark, the forest is entirely old growth, with ancient hulks towering over the trail and long-dead trunks lying scattered about the forest floor. The decaying fallen trees provide just the rich nourishment seeds need to sprout and grow into young, upstart trees. In this way, the dead trees, or nurse logs, hold the roots of a new generation, closing the circle of forest life. Even buried under snow, these nurse logs are evident. Just look for the long rows of young trees, and imagine them all rooted in one long, straight log.

The trail reaches the Heather Lake basin at just above 2400 feet and breaks out of the forest and into open views of the towering summit of Mount Pilchuck beyond. The lake is at a low enough elevation that at no time should you attempt to cross its ice; the ice is seldom thick enough to support an adult, and even then, it is likely riddled with cracks and fissures, which could open and send you into a quick bout of hypothermia.

Campsites can be found around the perimeter of the lake, and the best are on the eastern shore where the slope is most gradual and the view most splendid.

Author’s Rating: More Difficult
Some previous snowshoe experience helpful. Some winter survival skills recommended (basic knowledge of avalanche evaluation, emergency shelter construction, etc.). Elevation gain is usually less than 1000 feet with a gradual slope.