I had the opportunity to take two friends from Germany on a hike. Most are still covered by snow so I took them to Lake 22. They were impressed from the start. As was I, not having hiked the trail in ten years. The trees are the first amazing thing simply because of their size, then the numerous waterfalls which my friends gasped at as were taking pictures. The trail is free of snow until about a quarter mile from the lake. The trail is completely covered but easily followed. The lake and surrounding peaks are spectacular though I wish I would've brought my sun glasses. We sat on some logs by the outlet and ate lunch while watching for avalanches. After about a half hour we headed home. One thing that was weird though was there were three guys on the trail hiking with no shirts on and yelling and they tromped off through the woods by the lake and never came back out. Oh well...

This is a short hike, 5 miles round trip, up to a small lake. It is fairly steep uphill all the way to the lake, with many creeks and streams crossing the trail. About a mile in is a simply gorgeous waterfall. Lake twenty-two is in a protected area, and has been since 1945, so there's plenty of huge trees to gawk at and wonder why you don't see them more often. I am told that in the peak season, it is overrun with people, but during early April, it is wonderfully desolate. I only ran into one other party. The snow level is reached at about the 1.5 mile mark, beginning as traces on the ground and becoming as deep six feet when one nears the lake. The trail, however, easy to follow; there is little danger of losing your way. An easy snow hike. The views at the lake rival anything that Ansel Adams has ever captured: stark black towering cliffs peeking through a thick blanket of snow. The lake itself is still covered in snow. Snow-free lunch spots, however, are few.

Took a group of Boy Scouts and parents up the trail as our first hike in preparation for a 60+ miler in August. We all had full packs on to get the true flavor of the mountain goat experience. It rained off and on, but we enjoyed the spectacular views of the falls along the route as well as the magnificent view of the snow-covered mountain range. Snow appears on the trail approximately 1 mile from the lake- sporadic at first. By the time we reached the lake we were all wet and hungry- but what boy scout isn't' Some of the early arrivers witnessed a small avalanche across the frozen lake. They also spotted a beaver or otter. We changed into dry clothes, ate lunch, and departed. The trip down requires careful footing- for both old and young alike. We're recommend good boots- (no tennis shoes)- bring your 10 essentials, and dress for rain. It wouldn't be hard to get caught wet and hypothermic here. All in all an invigorating trip.

The trail is in good condition with snow starting about half way to the lake. The trail through the snow is easy to follow. We were greeted at the lake by a friendly snowman. There is a small area of open water by the outlet with most of the lake covered by ice and a fresh layer of snow. We saw an otter at the edge of the ice. He brought his catch of small fish to the edge of the ice, ate them, and then dove back into the water for more. Fun to watch, hope the pictures turn out! [Online-editor note: I guess I'll have to get up there and see thatsnowman before it melts. I hope he realizes that camping is prohibted atlake 22]

The trail was in good shape and traffic was non-existent. Our group was the only car in the lot at 08:00 am. The trail was in real good shape, and we never hit snow on the trail until the last mile or so, but the snow was packed down good and the trip was easy. Gators wern't necessary but made it a bit drier. We were all met at the lake by lots of sun and well made snowman facing the trail with the lake and peaks as a backdrop,and with stick arms held wide and a smile made from carrot sticks, welcoming hikers to the end. After a quick lunch, we headed back down and met 10 to 12 hikers comming up. At 1:00 pm, their were about 15 cars in the lot.