Mileage/Total Elevation: 6.44mi/1,462ft
Weather: Cloudy
Total Time: 2:50

I haven't hiked Lake 22 since I first moved to the area 6 years ago. I've always been deterred by the Costco-esque parking situation and the heavy foot traffic the hike gets. Today, hoping to beat the traffic, I decided to take a stab at it in the evening.

Parking: When I arrived at the trailhead around 5:30pm, there were a handful of spots open from vehicles that had just left. I popped into one that was steps away from the trail. Given how full it was that late in the evening, I wouldn't be surprised if it is much busier in the morning.

Foot Traffic: I ran into a few people coming down on my way up. I had the loop around the lake and the way down virtually to myself.

Trail: The trail is very rocky and wet most of the way through. It's not my favorite type of hiking terrain given that it requires you to be steady with your feet the whole way through and doesn't offer clear stretches to run down. Also, after a rainy weekend the rocks were slippery...not that I slipped on one or anything...

Notes: There's active work happening on the trail during weekdays. You'll see the evidence of this in a new bridge about 0.25 miles in and handful of materials covered in tarps throughout the trail.

The first 1.5 miles take you up stone and wood steps through the forest up to a talus slope that offers open views of the surrounding terrain. The talus lasts for 0.5 miles before it slips back into the forest. Another half mile and you'll find yourself at the lake. The loop around the lake is about 1.2 miles and alternatives between boardwalk, boulders, and gravel. There are tons of gorgeous wildflowers growing around the lake the views of the boulder field and waterfalls above. Speaking of waterfalls, thanks to the numerous waterfalls and creeks along the way, the sound of rushing water is consistent throughout the entire hike and makes the whole experience better.

Overall, I found the hike pretty enjoyable. I can see it being a little less appealing had there been more foot traffic, especially with all the rocky terrain. The cloudy weather damped some of the views but it was still a nice hike.

Beautiful trail. After a couple miles it gets pretty rocky! The view around the lake loop was spectacular. So many waterfalls!!
Lake was quiet and still.
Only distraction were a couple of young groups blasting their music😕

Washington Trails Day @ Lake 22!

Arrived a little after 8:00am and parking lot was 3/4 full. Pro tip: if you plan to visit this popular trail on the weekend, a rainy day gives you much better luck finding parking. By 9:00 the lot was full and folks wound up parking on the road. However this is a beautiful trail in any weather and the drizzle made it feel quintessentially PNW!

A few notes about the trail:
- 2 bathrooms at the TH were fully stocked
-national forest pass required. There are envelopes to pay by the TH if you forgot your pass
-trail is generally in good condition with some work being done to make improvements. Thank you trail maintenance crew!
-as you ascend trail it gets quite wet and the rocks a bit slippery. Waterproof shoes were helpful
-there were a few dow trees but all passable. I was able to walk right under the first big tree that had fallen over the trail
-I found having poles helpful but plenty hikers did without
-many kiddos on the trail today and several dogs (thanks for keeping them leashed)
-the lake as always is stunning! Last time I hiked the trail it was snowy at the top. Today provided the perfect opportunity to take the trail around the lake. The boardwalks make the loop easy to navigate
-there are so many lovely places to sit around the lake. Bugs were not really a problem!
- one hiker generously had a bag with him to collect garbage. What a kind human! Remember to leave no trace ♻️

If you happened to miss Trails Day you can still get involved in protecting public lands! https://www.wta.org/get-involved/action/celebrate-washington-trails-day

Absolutely amazing hike; even when busy. The towering wall of rock at the lake is stunning.

- The 3 of us clocked about 3 miles to the lake & about 1.3 around the lake for a total of 7 - 7.5 miles total
- elevation gain of 1400 feet - pretty much a continuous climb up for 3 miles; nothing horribly steep
- great trail and really easy to follow
- lot parks up early, full by 9:15 am on Thursday
- taking time for pics, snack breaks, lunch, and staring at the amazing views, it took us about 6 hours - look for old-growth trees, wildflowers, valley views, waterfalls on the way up — small patches of lupine, bleeding heat, columbine, foxglove, & Indian paintbrush were blooming
- there’s an overflow lot across the highway just east of the trailhead
- go on a clear, dry day so you get to see the rock wall
- equipment recommendation: waterproof boots, poles, and boots with good ankle support - lots of little creeks to cross - nothing deep
- ½ mile of direct sun on the talus field and sunny at the lake; mostly tree shade for the rest
- tons of places to sit & have lunch at the lake
- trail may be more challenging when wet; lots of rock & potentially muddy areas that may be harder when slick
- bugs were fine - no spray needed, but I’d carry some; without wind I think it would be more buggy
- despite a full lot it was a really great hike; would go again even when busy; might avoid the weekend

Arrived at 8am on a Thursday (Federal holiday though) to an almost full parking lot. 

The trail was in a better shape than 2 years ago when I last did this hike. It looks like more steps were added and some large rocks were flattened. Still, the trail has some rocky sections as well as streams flowing over the trail. I saw small kids doing this trail, but I also saw them fall and get hurt. Probably not the best hike for small kids.

The trail was not too busy going up at 8am, but going down I had to let quite a few large groups pass. Mostly high schoolers and college students.

The parking lot was full when I arrived back at 11am. Cars were parked along the road and in the overflow lot. But it was not too crazy. I assume it's much worse on weekends.

Bugs were very annoying at the lake, getting in my ears, but at least they were not biting.

There's one blow down that you need to hop over and one that you need to go under, but otherwise there are no other obstacles.