Lake Twentytwo - Lake 22

Arrived at trailhead around 9:30am with members from the Mountaineers Basic Wilderness Travel course. The trailhead is right off the Mountain Loop Highway, so easy in and out. There is a nice size parking lot and a privy. There was about 10 other cars when we arrived.

This was a fun hike but beware that there is a lot of water on the trail with many easy little creeks to cross. So it is a bit muddy in places.

There are some amazing waterfalls along the trail. The sound of the rushing water can be heard most of the hike and is quite relaxing.

We got to the lake around noon. The ascent wasn't that difficult with a few areas with some steep switchbacks. But the trail is well maintained so it isn't bad.

There is snow the last 1/8 of mile of the trail and on much of the trail around the lake. However, we were able to find a nice spot between snow patches to stop and have lunch.

We got stuck in a thunderstorm on the way back down with heavier than usual rain for the PNW. I was glad I had my rain gear and that we were more than half way down when it hit.

There was downed trees and electric wires back to Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway. Although we didn't get the full blunt of the thunderstorm while hiking in the woods, it apparently was a strong one, strong enough to put a Douglas fir across the road. Luckily, by the time we reached it, we only had to wait a short time for the road to get cleared.

This is a great hike. I'd like to return on a sunnier day when I can see the mountains above the lake and enjoy walking around the length of the lake.