Washington is blessed with a plethora of alpine lakes that you can hike to. These hikes not only get you closer to the water but also challenge you and allow you to explore the beautiful alpine wilderness, something you’ll only truly understand when you experience it yourself.
Last summer, I decided to hike to one of Washington’s most popular alpine lakes, Lake 22, and I can’t recommend it enough. To be fair, I’d love to warn you that it’s not an easy hike, but it’s not impossible either. Hike slowly, take as many breaks as you need, and enjoy the journey, it’s totally worth reaching the top.
Why Is It Called Lake 22?
The name definitely intrigued me and made me dig a little deeper. What I found is that there are two theories, but no concrete answer as to why it’s called Lake 22.
The first theory suggests that when locals were laying out old railway maps in the 1800s, workers labeled local creeks numerically, assigning the number 22 to the specific creek leading to the lake, and the name eventually stuck.
Another theory suggests that the number may have been used to represent a specific section or grid of the forest on Mount Pilchuck.
Whatever the truth may be, we’re stuck with the name, and sometimes, that alone becomes a reason for visitors to be curious about this beautiful lake.
How to Reach Lake 22
Lake 22 is located in Snohomish County, near a small community called Verlot. The trailhead is next to the Heather Lake Trailhead and Hemple Creek Picnic Area and is about a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive from downtown Seattle.
A car is the only practical way to reach the trailhead, and parking is limited, so the earlier you arrive, the better. However, what I noticed is that people who start their hike early often begin coming back around noon, so you might find a parking spot if you’re willing to wait patiently for 15–20 minutes.
You’ll need a Discover Pass to park your vehicle. At the time of writing, a day pass costs $10, while an annual pass costs $45. Cell service can be spotty, so I recommend getting your pass beforehand to avoid any hassle.
The Hike
This was my first time hiking to an alpine lake, so I had very little idea of what to expect. I did, however, check AllTrails and Washington Trails Association to learn more about the terrain and prepare ourselves for the hike. I’ll add a little checklist at the end of this post to help you remember what to bring for this hike.
The trail is about 2.5 miles to the lake, followed by another 1.1 miles around the lake and 2.5 miles back to the trailhead. So, while the distance itself isn’t too intimidating, the elevation gain makes this a challenging hike.
The terrain to the lake is also mostly rocky, so I highly recommend carrying hiking poles and wearing proper hiking shoes to give your feet some support and protection from the rocky terrain, especially during the last mile, which gets particularly rocky. Another thing to remember is that the trail has very little tree cover, so bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen.
You’ll also come across a beautiful waterfall called Apron Falls, cascading down the granite mountains. The view is a little obstructed by the trees, but nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful sight.
And then comes the first glimpse of the lake, and it was simply breathtaking. The Cascade Mountains, Mount Pilchuck peeking through every now and then in the backdrop, and the clear blue lake reflecting the surrounding mountains—it was just too stunning. If it weren’t a two-hour hike to get here, this would probably be my go-to spot, and I mean it!
We carried a sandwich with us, which somehow tasted even better thanks to the view. There are several tiny beaches where you can sit and relax. Many hikers also go for a swim. The water is cold, but worth it if you can bear it!
Next, we hiked around the lake, taking in the amazing views while observing the plants and birds along the way. I highly recommend doing this if you have the time and energy. It gives you a completely different perspective of the lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Checklist for Your Hike
Here’s a quick checklist to remember what to wear & bring with you at the hike:
✅ Hiking Shoe – well cushioned, to protect your feet from the rocky surface. I use Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof hiking shoes and my husband uses the same in mens.
✅ Hiking poles – this I feel is a must since you’ll need support especially getting down and while climbing the last mile up until the lake.
✅ Sun protection – since most of the trail is not covered, sun protection is a must. So remember to wear sunscreen and a sun hat.
✅ Day pack – very important, especially to carry food, water and swim wear (optional). I love my Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack, it is spacious and easy to carry everywhere, including trips outside of Washington.
✅ Light Jacket– It’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket to be prepared for any sudden weather change. If it’s peak summer, I prefer my Cotopaxi jacket and if there’s a slightest chances of rain, I prefer my North Face rain jacket.
✅ Swimwear – this is optional but many hikers go on a swim at the lake, so if you’re planning to do that, pack your swimwear. I usually prefer hiking wearing my swimwear and change after that.
✅ Snack and water – pack some trail mix and sandwiches that you can relish after you reach the lake. Carry plenty of water, as the climb will make you thirsty, especially on a sunny day.
✅ Bug spray – this is optional, but sometimes, this place can attract bugs. So, I always keep a bug spray just to be safe.
Overall, this is an amazing place and a must-do hike, especially during the summer. The trail area also transforms in winter, when the region becomes a popular destination for snowshoeing, although conditions and access can vary significantly.
You can check out more easy-to-moderate Washington hikes here, and let me know your favorite summer hike in the comments!
