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Lake Twenty-two

based on 691 tracks & routes #16 hike out of 988 in
5.9 mi
Distance
2 hrs 45 min
Time
terrain
1,365 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

Just over an hour northeast of Seattle, the Lake Twenty-two Trail offers a much needed respite from urban life, without the drive. On the shoulder of Mount Pilchuck, its gorgeous old growth forest, alpine wetlands and well-maintained stairs and boardwalks make it easily accessible, while retaining the natural beauty of the area. There's a good reason Lake Twenty-two is so well-known, so pack a lunch and claim your spot on the lakeshore! At the top, treat yourself to a fantastic plunge from one of the various rocks jutting into the water, or play along the shallow edges.

This trail goes by Gold Basin Pond.

Weather: National Weather Services.

Getting Started

The drive to the trailhead is pretty straightforward, just past the town of Granite Falls and Verlot, and the turn to the trailhead parking lot is well marked. Because of the popularity of this trail, parking can be difficult on summer weekends.

The trailhead starts just across from the restrooms (two pit-toilets), on the far end of the parking lot. The trail follows just above the road for a short ways, slowly ascending the mountainside before taking a sharp turn into the forest and out of earshot of passing cars. It climbs through western and mountain hemlock, alder and giant cedar trees on an incredibly well maintained trail with perfectly hewn stairs.

At 1.5 miles, the trail leaves the trees and climbs through a talus field, which can be a sweaty climb on hot days, and difficult on ankles. The trail then re-enters the forest shade and eventually onto a bridge at a t-junction, with stellar views of the lake. Follow the path either right or left to make a circuit around the lake, or lounge on the shores for a well-earned break. It's common to see snow on the further side of the lake, well into the summer.

Lake Twentytwo is day-use only, with no established campsites.

Make sure to display your Northwest Forest Pass in the parking lot.

Taking Children

Due to the many well-maintained stairs and boardwalks, Lake Twenty-two is a very popular hike with families. Though not necessarily an “easy” hike, you'll see children of all ages on the trail.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    2 years, 11 months ago
    I've done this hike three times and the view is beautiful during any kind of weather!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    3 years, 6 months ago
    Beautiful slushy snowy hike. Just the right length for pre thanksgiving. And the beautiful view of the lake at the pi’s a great reward!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 10 months ago
    Beautiful hike! The crowds were especially bad on a Sunday and the clouds over the mountain obscured the view a little but when they broke it was amazing! I’d recommend hiking after noon to get the best views and less traffic.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 10 months ago
    Great popular hike.
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    user_profile
    4 years, 11 months ago
    Beautiful hike with gorgeous views of the mountains and the Lake 22. Get there as early as possible, before 7:30 am. It is a very busy trail later on. It is a very rocky trail.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 5 months ago
    Beautiful day for a hike, plenty of parking this time of year but start early as it is dark in the forest by 3, 3:30 pm. There was snow all around the lake but the lake loop was still hikeable. Take your time because footing is slippery at times. Well worth the 8 mile effort
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 9 months ago
    Beautiful, but so many people. Had to park in the picnic area just past the trailhead parking lot.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    6 years ago
    Got to trailhead about 8 and still there was parking. Walked up and around the lake - trail is wet and snow patches near the trail on the lake but trail is completely snow free. Beautiful waterfalls coming off the Pilchuck face.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    6 years, 10 months ago
    Two friends and I just hiked Lake Twentytwo for the first time since I was a child. My mom has quoted my 6 year old self exclaiming how beautiful the hike was many times over the last 20-something years, so my expectations were set pretty high! At the top, I wasn't disappointed, though I was surprised my child-self was able to make it up those rocky sections so many years ago. I did this hike because 1) I love alpine lakes 2) I had my little puppy in tow, so didn't want anything too difficult for her and 3) I didn't want to drive too far. At the top, we were pleasantly surprised with how few mosquitos there were (I forgot bug spray), and had a fantastic swim that wasn't as cold as I was anticipating. We had a nice rock to jump into the water all to ourselves. And for such a popular hike (and a pretty full parking lot for a Friday afternoon), I was also surprised that the lakeshore wasn't more crowded. Too bad there's no camping up there, but glad they're able to protect such a gorgeous lake!
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    3 months, 4 weeks ago
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Public Tracks

user_profile
Jordan Perry 9 years ago
Track (5/22/16, 8:17:27AM)
Trail was wet and a little slick in places. Some water running over the trail, but nothing that a pair of waterproof trail shoes couldn't handle. Trailhead was not too crowded when we arrived at 8am, but it was raining so I expect on a nice day it fills up a lot faster. By the time we got back down at noon, the lot and driveway was packed to the gills. Lots of dogs on the trail but everyone seemed to be cleaning up after themselves, as there were no "special presents" left behind to be seen.
user_profile
FastTimber4317 8 years, 11 months ago
Lake 22
TH to Lake 22, inc. loop around lake, and return
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Abrahm Rollins 5 years, 8 months ago
Lake 22
www.hiketohike.com/lake22-92819.html
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20-lb pack
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