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Follow this somewhat rough trail to a scenic little lake located on the northeastern slope of Mount Pilchuck. Even though some parts of it are rocky, muddy and full of roots, the short distance (4.2 miles roundtrip to the lake outlet) and modest elevation gain make this a good hike for those with older children that have trail miles already under their boots and are looking for a bit of a challenge.
The trail takes off just left of the large parking lot, and immediately begins to climb through old second growth forest on a series of switchbacks. As you climb through the woods, note the huge rotting stumps with the springboard notches on the side. Springboards were boards placed in tree trunks for the loggers of yore to stand on as they used a large crosscut saw to take down the tree. Notice young trees growing out of the stumps — old stumps nursing new forest.
The trail reaches an old logging road and follows it for a short distance before it begins to climb again. At this point the trail becomes very rocky, with root ladders to navigate over and in high runoff, wet, with little streamlets running through the rocks.
The vegetation becomes more interesting as the trail climbs. Admire from the trail the ferns at your feet and the large prickly leaves and bright red berries of devil's club rising over your head. You will reach a clearing in the woods as the trail takes a slight bend. After crossing the clearing, look for the wide, spreading roots of a long-ago downed tree on your right. The soil has since been packed hard here by many small feet (and some big ones) posing for pictures. After the picture stump, the trail ahead is at its worst point, lots of water and more feet than it was designed to take have eroded the tread to rock and roots. Luckily this is a short section, and you are only a half mile from the lake.
Cross another small clearing, and soon the trail begins to level out. Only another quarter of a mile to go and you will be at the lake. The ground is marshy and the trail muddy. There is deteriorating, but still hikeable, boardwalk across some of this. In spring the marsh will be bright yellow with the large showy flowers of skunk cabbage. You will glimpse the lake, but just before you reach it, there is a fork in the trail. The trail goes all around the lake so it really doesn’t matter which direction you choose; you will add just under a mile (.8) to your hike.
The right fork crosses a series of boardwalks through the woods, and then on to some fine lunch rocks on the far side of the lake. The trail left follows the shore past some nice lunch spots along the water. Notice the contorted mountain hemlock along this section of the trail and speculate on what caused it to grow that way.
There is a warped section of boardwalk that passes by a nice quiet little pond with some reflection picture opportunities. On the east side of the lake there is an open marshy area. You will find a succession of wildflowers here, starting with the marsh marigolds and trillium and ending with fall asters.
On your way back, as you pass the outlet stream, notice all the berry bushes and make a note to revisit this little gem of a lake in the fall!
WTA Pro Tip: This is a very popular hike on sunny weekends. Visit midweek, pack a thermos of coffee and some breakfast, get there before nine o’clock, and enjoy a quiet morning.
Trailhead
