Lake 22

What to do when the temp's in town are soaring into the 90's? Head for the hills! Instead of 90o we sat at 2,400',64o, (according to my new little "gadget").

This trail starts in cool shady forest, almost always in sight of, or at least sound of water. After crossing 22 Creek on a sturdy bridge, it gains elevation while passing 3 different waterfalls. In long switchbacks it makes it's way through an overgrown talus slope full of wild flowers. We were shaded by vine and big leaf maple, overhanging the trail. The "usual" avalance area had debri from another slide, this past winter. Back into the deep shade of the forest, snow began about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the lake. My intention was to check the elevation with the new "gadget" where the snow began- so engrosed in the beauty of the hike, I forgot! There was evidence of another, larger snow slide just this side of the lake basin which took out several med sized fir trees.

The lake basin has about 4-5 feet of snow. Melting fast, there were some pockets of bare ground, and spots on the boardwalk that were bare.

Since Justin works the evening shift he couldn't pry himself out of bed too early giving us a late start. I always thought you had to get up early to go hiking. You know what? An afternoon/early evening hike is just as pleasant! There were 10-12 cars at the trail head at 12:00 when we headed up the trail. Only 3 when we came down, around 7p.m.