Heather Lake Trail
Granite Falls, Washington
Details
Distance
4.33 miles
Elevation Gain
1165 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Tara Warolin
Heather Lake is a great alternative that is both slightly shorter and less strenuous than nearby Lake 22, but still packs a punch as far as a workout goes. Views of Mount Pilchuck are also equally spectacular.
The trail takes you on a gradual climb up to Heather Lake with beautiful second growth to admire along the way. The trail can be very wet and muddy with many tree roots to catch your toes, so make sure to wear a sturdy pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this trail on-leash.
Make sure to notice the huge rotting stumps with the springboard notches alongside the trail; springboards were boards placed in tree trunks for the loggers to stand on as they used a large crosscut saw to take down the tree.
THE HIKE
The trail starts with multiple switchbacks before evening out along an old logging road. After the trail breaks off from the logging road, the trail once again begins to switchback with an increase in elevation. It is along this part of the trail where you’ll need to make sure to watch you steps as the trail is covered in tree roots and many large rocks. There is also a lot of water runoff along the trail so the trail may be very wet from this point on.
At around the 1.2 mile mark, you will begin to see snow along the trail, this is also where you will stop hiking and start ice skating if you do not come prepared. There are many pockets of ice along this portion of the trail. The trail remains to steadily incline for another 0.4 mile until it again evens out. The final part of the hike should be on compact or freshly fallen snow until you reach the lake.
Find a great spot along the shore of the lake to take a break, eat a snack and take in the views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
CAMPING
Opportunities for camping are limited -- please only camp in established campsites. For current conditions, contact the Darrington Ranger District office at 360-436-1155 or Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791. You can also visit the Forest Service website for more information.
GETTING THERE
After exiting Mountain Loop Hwy, follow the gravel road up 1.1 miles before you reach the parking lot. WATCH FOR POTHOLES! The trailhead can be found to the left of the small parking lot. After filling out your group information in the small stand, you can begin your trek up to Heather Lake.
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Reviews
only been up during the winter months. The trail seemed to be a creek at times. overall beautiful scenery
4.0
Perfect for this time of year. Nice that most the trailers are covered by trees so not in direct sunlight.
4.0
Awesome spring hike, do it every year around May 20th. great, easy first of the season hike, great way to start the hiking season
5.0
Currently, very muddy and snow at the tail end of it. We were hiking with hiking shoes and we were fine :)
4.0
I decided to hike this solo on a weekday because I know it gets pretty good foot traffic all week, and I wanted to make sure there were others on the path. I heard it's horribly congested on the weekends, so get there early. I'm new to hiking, and trying to get into shape, so I picked this hike because I had just completed Wallace Falls, and this one is similar in length and elevation. I didn't keep in mind the difference in terrain however. Heather lake is a lot less "manicured," and I found myself walking through lots of mud, tripping over roots, and navigating large slabs of rock. It took a lot more energy than I was used to, but it was worth it. I passed one couple coming down as I headed up, and I had the lake to myself for about 30 minutes before other hikers joined. I found a huge boulder at the opposite end of the lake (from when you first approach the lake). I climbed up it, and enjoyed my lunch surrounded by beautiful views. On the way down I passed about 40 people, and 12 muddy dogs (all off leash except for 1). I would definitely do this hike again (not on a weekend, and arriving by 9 once again). Also, road going up is a bit rough, so if you have a suv, bring it.
4.0
I grew up hiking all over the mountain loop but for some reason I always passed on heather lake until this last weekend. I needed a shorter hike for my family and this was a great one. There were some good spots to let my two year old out of the back pack to roam and throw some rocks in the water and the towering cliffs above the lake are pretty awesome. The trail is very wet this time of year so prepare to step carefully or wear some good boots. with the kids it took my wife and I about 3 1/2 hours round trip (kids were in backpacks). There are several trees across the trail that would not be a problem normally but with a kid on my back it got a little tricky.
4.0
I went on this hike with a girlfriend of mine and my chow chow, we all had a fantastic experience! Great hike with amazing 360 degree views at Heather Lake. We left around 12 or 1, there is direct light up there until around 5 these days I would guess. My dog had a blast jumping and playing in the snow. The lake was in the process of thawing out when we were up there about a week ago. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake :-)
5.0
A very solid hike and relatively close to Seattle. Not as crowded as many of the other closer to the city and one of the shorter routes along the Mountain Loop Highway. Spectacular payoff for little pain.
4.0
Bring water proof boots. Lots of flowing water on trail during late March
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Lake 22
Mount Pilchuck Lookout
Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
Three Fingers Lookout
Greider Lakes Trail
Dispersed Camp near Beaver Creek Group Camp, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF
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