Heather Lake — Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

It had been a couple years since I've been back to Heather Lake so I decided to go last Monday(1/22/01). There just isn't any snow!!!! At about the 2300 foot level, you encounter tiny patches and it's pretty much that way to just before the lake. In years past, there would be several feet of the stuff. Trail up to that point is in good condition. Only one blowdown and it was easy to navigate. It was very pretty up at the lake and it was pretty muched frozen over...some free water by the outlet. There is about 1-1.5 feet of snow up here. Some bare patches on the trail around the lake. Be careful!!!! The boardwalks are very slippery if not snow covered due to ice. If it's like it was on Monday, you'll probably not want to try to cross the outlet boardwalks as they were pretty dangerous due to ice! I chose to go back way I came. I only saw one other man and a small party up there so it was nice and peaceful! It would have been nice to have more sun, but the lake is socked in at base of Mt. Pilchuck. Happy Hiking! John M.