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Lake 22

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (77)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. Mt. Baker National Forest
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“A classic mix of wetlands, old-growth forest, and mountain views. ”

Justin S.
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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

Out and Back

2,465' 751 m

High

1,093' 333 m

Low

1,384' 422 m

Up

1,383' 422 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This moderate, well-maintained trail is very popular with hikers of all ages.

Best hiked Spring - Fall. A winter snowshoe route exists but is prone to avalanches.

Overview

Lake 22 is an extremely popular (and beautiful) hike to a glacially carved lake, easily accessed from the Mountain Loop Highway.

Need to Know

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. Restrooms available at trailhead. The parking lot fills up quickly on weekends - have a backup plan just in case.

Description

In 1947, the Lake Twentytwo Research Natural Area was created to protect nearly 800 acres from logging. Today, old-growth western red cedars and western hemlocks stand tall along the trail as a result of this protection. The Forest Service and volunteers have gone through extensive work to provide a trail that can withstand heavy foot traffic.

The trail starts out as a properly maintained path that quickly leads into forested mountain terrain, perfect for those who want some challenge and beauty at the same time. As you ascend higher, you'll hear the flowing water coming from numerous waterfalls just beyond the trail. Cross a bridge over 22 Creek, then pass through an exposed rocky area before reaching the lake.

Once you reach the top, the trees will open up to a pristine lake and incredible views of Mount Pilchuck. Explore in either direction, but be careful about looping around the lake in winter/spring, as the boulder field is prone to avalanches and rockfall. Feel free to walk around the lake during midsummer - just stick to the trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Office

Shared By:

Justin S. with improvements by Brandon Fralic
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 77 votes

#1

in Mt. Baker National Forest

#95

Overall
  4.5 from 77 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
34%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Mt. Baker National Forest

#6

in Washington

#95

Overall
23 Views Last Month
7,963 Since Apr 14, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
0%
63%
9%
26%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Lake 22
Apr 14, 2015 near Granite…, WA
Lake TwentyTwo surrounded by snow.
May 16, 2017 near Granite…, WA
Lake 22 Trail
Apr 23, 2015 near Granite…, WA
Charlie @ Lake 22
Apr 23, 2015 near Granite…, WA
Private pool?!?! On the Lake TwentyTwo Trail
Apr 14, 2015 near Granite…, WA
Lake 22
Apr 14, 2015 near Granite…, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 29, 2024
Aldous William Eaton
Apr 10, 2024
Chloe Nick
5.4mi — 4h 00m
Dec 26, 2023
Chandler Gardiner
Yaktrax in winter
Oct 5, 2023
Garret Maier
Distance is longer than advertised. A large tree down requires a steep detour to get to the trail halfway up 4mi — 2h 06m
Jul 15, 2023
Beth N
May 11, 2023
Alex Cowan Nelligan
5mi — 2h 36m
Feb 24, 2023
Michael Young
Jul 29, 2022
Alex Maietta

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