This was a wonderful hike for today. No bugs, decent distance, not too much gain, wonderful weather and not too far from Seattle. Parking lot only had a few spots left at 8:30am but the trail never felt too busy. So many wildflowers today. If you’re a wildflower fan, take the time to go around the lake. I got to see Canada Lily, Columbia tiger lily, monkey flower, lupine, tons of goatsbeard, aster and foxgloves in the open area. Bugs weren’t horrible but they were a little pestery by the lake so I opted for a leisurely walk around the lake to have my snack instead of resting. The trash pile was a little sad. Wear sturdy boots or hike shoes and bring poles, there are a ton of medium sized rocks and some slippery spots where you walk in the streams. Overall a great day for this hike and not too crowded

Three of us took our dog to Lake 22 and arrived at 9:10 a.m. on a Thursday to find the lot completely full, except for overflow parking on the side. We grabbed the second to last spot along the entry. Have a valid Northwest Forest Parking Pass.

If you use the left privvy, have someone watch the door for you or use the right, as the left door doesn't close cleanly. Heavy foot traffic is expected over the next two weeks so consider bringing TP like others have mentioned.

On the way up we enjoyed the waterfall, humongous cedars, and heard 15 bird species, including a lovely little family of mallards (mama and 7 pretty good sized ducklings) as well as Swainson and Varied Thrush songs, and of course the continuous trill of the Pacific wrens. 

We enjoyed picking fresh blueberries on the hike down -- yum!

There is definitely evidence of upcoming trail work - from Monday to Friday July 15-October the trail will be closed for maintenance. Gravel and lumber piles have been choppered in, and pink markers show where work will be done.

It's a lovely trail and a great ankle workout -- watch carefully for slick or sharp rocks and tangles of roots especially a few that could catch a boot. Bring plenty of water for your pooch as the talus slope can be tough on dogs in the heat.

I wore a head net while I waded and that solved any bug problem.

About 1.75 miles up there is a huge pile of debris/trash in a trail cart; I'm hoping it will be choppered out. I was unclear whether it was collected from the trail or if there was a trash kiosk somewhere that overflowed.

The area is stunning, the lake is beautiful, and the views across the lake and north are gorgeous. We enjoyed wading in the ice-cold lake below melting snow and it was great to get out before the Fourth holiday. Go early OR mid-day when the first round of hikers are leaving to avoid parking citations ("GOOD TO TOW" warnings were on about 30+ cars when we got down around 12:45.)

I got into a hiking conversation at a party last week. It became evident that I was the only person in Washington State who had not hiked Lake 22. My plan for today was to bundle Mt Pilchuck with Lake 22 because the trailheads are only 8 miles apart.

The road to Mt Pilchuck trailhead is in good condition for any kind of car. The middle portion has been freshly graveled. All the stones seem to be spherical so your car might slide more easily than usual. Three cars in the parking lot at 6:15; around 40 at 10:15. Midweek means fewer people.

The Pilchuck trail is excellent – that apparently impossible peak is reached without too much effort. The log steps in the first mile have done a great job of protecting this high-use trail. There is a tiny amount of snow on the trail near the top but no need for any traction devices. After the scramble to the fire lookout, you get that 360-degree view of what looks like the entire universe, until the clouds roll in again. Thanks to whoever left the binoculars there. There’s a lot to see.

The Lake 22 lot was overflowing at 10:45. The trail has some serious erosion and there are piles of materials at various locations in preparation for the work due to start mid-July. The environment is so impressive because the whole area is protected by the Lake 22 Natural Research Area.  I’ve never seen such enormous Western Red Cedars. There’s some good information about the area at this link: Microsoft Word - FRNA_LakeTwentyTwo_LA_1_8, including an impressive mammal species list (albeit from 1972).

For such an accessible place, the lake is gorgeous. The snowfields have receded. Snow tunnels are still present but too high up the scree to be accessible. That big rock at the cliff end of the lake is ideal for jumping off. Water temperature is cold, but swimming is still good. Wild flowers are everywhere but few berries as yet.

The trail is snow free but extremely busy. I went on a tuesday morning and the lot was full. I would recommend coming as early as possible. The trail is also very muddy and rocky.