Heather Lake — Monday, Apr. 20, 1998

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

This trailhead is about 1 mi up the road to Mt Pilchuck. There were only 2 other cars in the parking lot and both of those parties were leaving as I ascended. The first mile of trail goes through a forest of dense small second growth trees with occasional stumps of massive cedars which were slaughtered back in the ""good ol days of loggin"". A beautiful old growth cedar forest is then entered which more than makes up for the first mile. An amazing looking hemlock growing on a perfect pedestal shaped burle 30 ft up a giant cedar can be seen to the right just after crossing a small bridge. As usual I was busy digging out all the water bars along the way. The trail is completely snow free until you get to the wetland flats 1/4 mi before the lake. The lake basin is covered in 3-4 ft of snow. Occasional avalanches can be heard crashing down into the valley from the cliffs above. The trail is in great shape thanks to lots of volunteer efforts for which I am grateful.