HEATHER LAKE
This is a really beautiful lake at the end of a fun, rocky trail. It’s also really close to Seattle, and a pretty short hike so it gets quite busy – save this one for after work on a weekday!
Quick Facts:
Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1200 ft
Location: Heather Lake Trailhead, Mountain Loop Highway, Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Season: Early Summer-Late Fall
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Check the weather: mountain-forecast, weather.gov
Check for recent trip reports: WTA, AllTrails
Getting there:
Click here for the TH location on GoogleMaps
This trailhead is just under 1.5 miles off of the Mountain Loop Highway, so the vast majority of the trip is an easy drive from Seattle. Unfortunately the 1.5 miles on the forest road is really rough – this is the same road that goes to the Mount Pilchuck trailhead, and it’s got notoriously bad potholes. Usually any car is able to make it as long as you’re careful, but make sure to check recent trail reports as the status of the road can change every year.
The trail in early June 2020
A boardwalk near the lakeshore, early June 2020
The trail in early June 2020
Hike description:
The trail to the lake is a pretty fun one. You definitely have to watch your footing, as there are tons of giant roots and rocks along the whole way. This gives you something to keep your mind occupied, as there aren’t really any views until you get to the lake. Although it’s less than 2 miles to the lake, you’ll still get a nice little workout in as it’s a steady uphill the whole way.
Once you get to the lake the real views begin. Breathtaking cliffs rise over 1000 feet above the lake, and in early summer snowmelt will create massive waterfalls high above. If you’re hiking in the late afternoon or evening, the sun will light up these cliffs beautifully. The path around the lake will give you all sorts of views of this scenery, and includes some picturesque boardwalks to keep you out of the delicate wetlands that surround several sides of the lake. Take your time here to take in all the views before making the quick trip back to your car.
Dramatic roots along the trail, June 2020