West Fork Foss River and Lakes — Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Hike to Big Heart Lake Sunday August 29, 2004 One solo hiker, Sixteen miles of rugged Alpine Lake terrain, 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 8 miles and seeing 7 lakes in one day hike! The day began bright and early at 2:30am. Yikes! It was a two hour dirve to the trailhead. Hwy 2 to Foss River Road exit. This hike took me to 7 yes Seven Lakes all in one hike. My new personal best. The first lake I hiked to was Malachite Lake. I reached it at 09:25am but there was still too much fog for me to see anything so I hiked to Copper Lake. This was a very nice lake. Huckleberries everywhere. I got there just as the fog was clearing away and the sun was hitting the peaks around the lake with the blue sky above. Small puffy cloud like fog was floating around and above the lake when I took these photos. Can't wait to see them. Next I followed the trail around Copper lake while continuing to take more photos of it on my way up to Little Heart Lake. I never got any mosquito bites though I did see a few. I think they're almost gone for the season. Thank God. There were lots of trail dogs out here camping and working to improve the trail. They're efforts are much appreciated. Once you pass the other end of Copper Lake you begin the hike up past Little Heart Lake. The trail conditions between Copper Lake and Little Heart Lake were muddy and wet due to the recent rain. However the trail crews are doing a great job putting in steps and walkways. They're not done yet but it's getting there. It was very difficult to photograph Little Heart Lake as the trees and brush are very thick but it's a cool little lake. I can see where it gets it's name. Surrounded on all sides. The trail past Little Heart Lake gets steep and rugged. You climb for what seems like a long while until it levels off a bit through thick forest. There is a very small lake or pond just to your left as you begin to climb one last time up toward Big Heart Lake. Dont know it's name. The climb up the steep ridge toward Big Heart Lake is a switchback with incredible views toward the North. You can see Glacier Peak and many others. Even Mt. Baker. Once you get on top of this ridge it flattens out a bit then drops down toward Big Heart Lake. As your hiking around and down you can see off to your left the other side of Big Heart Lake. It really is shaped like a heart. The campsites at Big Heart Lake are incredible. I can't wait to stay here overnight. I had the entire Lake to myself for the hour and 45 mins I was there resting. The lake runoff is very nice white noise for sleeping. It was a gorgeous warm sunny blue sky day that day. The sun kept me warm, the cool breeze kept me comfortable and the views at this lake are nothing short of spectacular. I can't believe this lake wasn't listed with all the others at the top of this page when I was editing this. This is an Alpine Lake paradise. If your standing on the big flat campground facing the lake and look straight ahead you can see a sadle. On the other side is another lake. Dont remember the name but it's on the Greentrails map. I think its #176. There are lots of tree logs blocking the drainoff end of the lake so you can walk on them. I walked out to one big tree trunk over the water to sit down and take in the view and pictures with my SLR. The view is incredible. The sky was blue with little clouds, the sun was shimmering on the water like fireworks and the water is a deep green color. Typical of the Alpine Lakes. I proped my legs up and out onto another log then turned my camera for a vertical shot. When I did a butterfly landed on my right ankle. I quickly pressed the shutter and got the shot of my feet with the butterfly, the lake with the sun sparkles and the surrounding peaks all in the same frame. Can't wait to process this slide roll. I highly recommend this hike! So get your gear and get out there. Eric Owens Summit Studios Northwest http://www.summitstudiosnw.com/home.htm