Lake 22 — Friday, Nov. 11, 2016

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

This is a very fun and fulfilling hike! only an hour out from Seattle, this was my first Mountain loop hike will be back to explore more! TH has plenty of parking spaces and a privy. I'm not sure if wta or park service stops maintaining the bathroom because they are ripe, and I've been in a fair share of privys...you've been warned... Onto the hike, a moderate climb into the forest where you constantly have the soundtrack of running water on the trail. I'm guessing because of the season the water run offs are extra heavy and some even cross over the trail, very fun to rock hop across the creeks. With that being said, wear waterproof boots! A nice mix of covered forest and open talus on the trek up. After 2.7 miles (I suppose, I am a wanderer and not a tracker) you reach the serene Lake 22. Loved walking the trail around the lake and watching the views change depending on what side of the lake you're on. Although there were at least 30 or so people you can find a place to yourself and reflect. Overall this trail is well maintained, no garbage aside from your occasional dog bag and lots of friendly souls. Definitely want to come back in the summer and swim!