Lake 22 — Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

Before I say anything, I want to thank the trail crews for the work they are doing on this trail. The work they are doing is visible and easy to see the work is improving the trail.

I have some hiking trail building experience as many years ago I worked in the California Conservation Corps, so I have some appreciation and understanding of what's involved. Crews have to move materials up the trail, including lumber and poles to build causeways and staircases. They also have to break up rock. This is very hard, physical work. So, I just want to say "THANKS" to the trail crew.

The Lake 22 Trail is just over the ridge from Heather Lake. The two appear to be similar in appearance. Both have trails ringing the lakes and both are worthy excursions. Today, people rested on the rocks beneath was was a cloudy sky in the morning. 

Of the two, I think I prefer Lake 22 over Heather Lake. The trail is a bit longer, but easier to navigate. It took me about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach from the trail head.

I arrived Just after 8 a.m. and there was still quite a bit of parking. Keep in mind you're supposed to have a parking pass. They are available in the box near the sign at the trail entrance.

The trail is in really good shape overall, thanks to above-mentioned trail crews doing work. There are new stairways and raised causeways. 

I think the most difficult section is more than half-way in where the trail comes out of the forest into an avalanche chute. The trail has several switchbacks and a trail made up of large gravel-type rock. The trail climbs a lot during these switch backs. 

The trail goes back into the woods and continues to climb. 

You can tell when you're getting close to Lake 22. The trail becomes relatively level. You'll pass along a creek to your left and see an exposed rock slide area cross the creek. You come down a small hill onto a boardwarlk.

There is a trail going around the lake that's worth walking. It's probably a mile long. Some of it is on boardwalks and some of it is dirt. There is a significant portion that passes through a rock slide. Some of the boulders are bigger than cars. It's an interesting and beautiful section of the trail. There are little places where people can access or sit along the lake. 

All in all, this is a nice trail. Worth the time and the effort.