Lake 22 — Sunday, Apr. 8, 2012

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

We took advantage of the beautiful day to hike up this favorite trail. The parking lot is nearly clear of snow. We put on gaiters knowing the upper half of the trail is all snow. The lower half of the trail has some snowy patches and it's all easily managed. About halfway up we put on our much-appreciated Microspikes as the trail turned completely over to snow. Beautiful vistas of Liberty Mountain and Three Fingers are apparent across the valley as you cross the open area and its switchbacks. The relatively even snow is easy to navigate with the added traction, in fact it's almost easier to hike than the rocky trail a few feet beneath the snow. As you transition out of the clearing you will cross over some seasonal avalanches -- so be aware that you are hiking through active avalanche areas. The trail gets a little confusing as you enter the final outlet funnel toward the lake, 2 miles from the trailhead. It's clear that many hikers got turned around, so much so that there are many trampled path options to confuse you. Just bear to the east and you should be able to find the right track. The lake is mostly frozen except near the outlet. When the sun comes out you'll probably see and hear some good-sized avalanches on the far side of the lake. Definitely would not want to risk a hike around those areas. The bridge across the outlet stream has 8 feet of snow on it, and it's too precipitous to consider crossing right now. Lake 22 is beautiful and very accessible this time of year, just like neighboring Heather Lake. But I'd pick 22 over Heather any day -- it offers old-growth trees, several waterfalls, vistas, and a good-sized alpine lake to sit and enjoy. Bring something waterproof and warm to sit on because you will definitely want to sit and enjoy it for a while.