Lake 22 Trail is a fairly popular year round hike located in the North Cascades on the Mt Loop Highway just outside of Granite Falls. In the winter it become a frequented snowshoeing trail. Rated for intermediate hikers you'll find stunning views of the neighboring Mt Pilchuck. This 5.5 mile round trip hike starts out gently through old growth rainforest. For the most part you'll be hiking along Twenty Two Creek and cross its path multiple times along the way. A mile in and you'll spot your first waterfall as you cross the bridge to get over the creek. You'll notice about 2 miles in that you're now racking up the switchback count as the trail gets steeper and steeper. In total the trails gains about 1400' in elevation before it finally meets up with the creek one last time as it broadens up into the turquoise alpine lake with a backdrop Mount Pilchuck's rocky cliffs. This view is really what it's all about! The path continues and loops around the entire lake adding another mile or so to the hike just so you can take it all in from every angle, and you should. If you do the loop around the lake you're looking at 6.7 miles round trip and will catch a pile of insta-worthy photo opportunities.
This hike does get busy in the summer and on weekends so be sure to get there early so you can find parking.
Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Happy Exploring!
