Lake 22 — Monday, May. 2, 2011

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Started the hike about 9:30 a.m. Two of us plus a dog were the only ones on the trail. The weather was crappy today - rained the entire time. Snow started about a mile and a half up. By the time we got to the lake we were walking on at least 4 ft. of snow. It was hard packed, but made the last few miles slow - going. A few small avalanches had covered the original trail, but the trail was still easy to find on the other side. At the lake, the snow was as high as the railing of the bridge. Looked like a cross-country skier had been on the trail and one hiker maybe the day before. It might have been possible to walk around some of the lake with snowshoes. Overall, on a less rainy day this hike is still worth it because you can make it all the way to the lake. Hiking boots definitely necessary - no tennis shoes. Gaiters would be a plus also - there are plenty of spots where you can sink in to the snow all the way to your knees.