Heather Lake
Oct 28, 2009
by
Janice Van Cleve
—
last modified
Nov 02, 2009 09:56 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Heather Lake
- Region: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
- Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington District
- Trails: Heather Lake (#701)
- Avg Rating: 3.68
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
- Snow on trail
Heather Lake trailhead
The Heather Lake trail is still an easy quick hike of 5 miles round trip - if you walk the trail all around the lake. The last snow dropped a shallow smatter of caviar pellets over the area pretty much covering the trail after the first mile. The path is very easy to follow with no obstructions, gaining 1200 feet in two miles. The Pilchuck Road is clear to the trailhead.
This is an easy winter hike with a clear trail, not very long, and no avalanche danger. The trailhead is about a mile up the Pilchuck road and has an outhouse - although it is so close to the Verlot ranger station with its lighted, heated restroom that most folks use that. The trail switchbacks through woods where giant stumps evidence the huge trees that used to grow here. There are still many old giants worthy of awe in these woods. After a gradual steady gain, the trail levels out for the last few hundred yards to the lake.
The lake is beginning to ice along the edges but still very clear. Snow dusting on Pilchuck only serves to highlight its angles. Absolutely beautiful! Lots of water on the rocky trail which is to be expected this time of year, but its just enough to wash off the bottom of your boots. Best of all I scored a nice clutch of Oyster mushrooms right at the side of the trail which I sauteed with pumpkin see oil. Coffee at Granite Falls with a shot of pumpkin flavoring finished the day.
This is an easy winter hike with a clear trail, not very long, and no avalanche danger. The trailhead is about a mile up the Pilchuck road and has an outhouse - although it is so close to the Verlot ranger station with its lighted, heated restroom that most folks use that. The trail switchbacks through woods where giant stumps evidence the huge trees that used to grow here. There are still many old giants worthy of awe in these woods. After a gradual steady gain, the trail levels out for the last few hundred yards to the lake.
The lake is beginning to ice along the edges but still very clear. Snow dusting on Pilchuck only serves to highlight its angles. Absolutely beautiful! Lots of water on the rocky trail which is to be expected this time of year, but its just enough to wash off the bottom of your boots. Best of all I scored a nice clutch of Oyster mushrooms right at the side of the trail which I sauteed with pumpkin see oil. Coffee at Granite Falls with a shot of pumpkin flavoring finished the day.
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Snow on one of the puncheons
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Heather Lake
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One of Pilchuck's pinnacles
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Photo of Heather Lake
John