Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead — Attraction in Granite Falls

I did this trail on Saturday (Aug 7, 2021) in pouring rain, and unlike most others, I would say that the trail (and the whole experience) was twice as eerie, impressive, and fun as it would have been without the rain! :) Of course, you have to manage the whole rain situation, but doing this trail in the rain offers a very different experience. Do try it. This is a gorgeous 10-km or 6.25-mile moderate hike (total, car-lake entrance-car; it was 12 km or 7.5 miles for me, given that I did the full, 2-km circle around the lake as well), which is beautiful and interesting right from the start/trailhead. I can’t stress enough on the importance of wearing good, preferably water-proof, hike shoes for this trail, which is very rocky and wet with many water streams running across. At around 2-2.5 km or 1.25-1.5 miles into the trail, you’ll come across a mile-long rocky stretch, which surely can hurt your feet. If you don’t have hike shoes, go with shoes that have thick and strong soles (do this, even if the shoes are a little heavy - you won’t regret it). The hike is very beautiful, and the seemingly-shallow lake is a jewel nestled in the scenic mountains, which have now lost almost their entire snow cover, given the recent heat wave in WA. In the pouring rain and the mist, the mountain tops around the lake were not visible (this was in no way a disappointment), though I was able to see some snow at the lower levels. Even with the rain, the lake was a soothing sight. The destination is just an excuse; the real fun lies in the journey/hike. :)

At the trailhead, I was easily able to find parking even on a Saturday, given the rainy day; you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here. I started my hike at 1:20 PM and had a decent pace; I took some breaks on the way to take photographs and to rest a little. I reached the lake at 3 PM. The full circle around the lake is rocky and took me around 40-45 minutes to complete. I started on my way back from the lake at 4 PM and reached the trailhead at 5:20 PM (total hike time of 4 hours). As you can see, for me, the descent time wasn’t that different from the ascent time, and that’s because it’s not a very steep hike, unlike the Lake Serene one. Overall, a great hike not that far from the Greater Seattle Area; definitely do this. Highly...

Lake Twenty Two Trail: Brief Overview

The Lake Twenty Two Trail is a popular hiking route in Washington state known for its stunning alpine scenery, serene lake, and captivating mountain vistas. Situated in the North Cascades, this trail provides a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Four-Star Review of Lake Twenty Two Trail:

★★★★☆ Breathtaking Alpine Adventure

The Lake Twenty Two Trail delivers a truly breathtaking alpine adventure that left me in awe of Washington's natural beauty. This hike strikes a near-perfect balance between accessibility and challenge, making it a must-do for those seeking a memorable outdoor escapade.

The trail's gradual ascent leads through lush old-growth forests, a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. The sights and sounds of nature envelope you, creating an immersive journey before you even reach the main attraction. The occasional glimpse of cascading waterfalls adds an extra touch of enchantment.

As you approach Lake Twenty Two, the landscape transforms into a scene straight out of a postcard. The tranquil lake, surrounded by towering peaks and rugged cliffs, reflects the surrounding wilderness with stunning clarity. It's an idyllic spot to rest, refuel, and savor the serenity that only alpine landscapes can offer.

However, while the trail's natural beauty is undeniable, it's important to consider the trail's popularity. During peak seasons, the trail can become quite crowded, which can diminish the solitude that many seek in nature. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak times can help enhance the experience.

Additionally, the trail's moderate difficulty might present a challenge for novice hikers or those without adequate preparation. The rocky and uneven terrain, particularly in the latter part of the trail, requires careful footing and some level of endurance.

In summary, the Lake Twenty Two Trail stands as a testament to Washington's alpine splendor. Its accessibility, combined with its mesmerizing lake and mountain vistas, makes it a four-star-worthy destination for hikers. While the trail's popularity and moderate difficulty are factors to consider, they don't overshadow the awe-inspiring natural beauty that awaits those who venture into this...

Everyone says “get here early” and for good reason. The limited parking lot fills up fast, the sun starts to beat down on you if it happens to be a bright & clear day, etc etc. It’s good advice. But for some of us, early doesn’t always work. For me, I work at 6:15 AM and on my days off, I usually don’t want to be waking up in the 5 o’clock hour, just to hit the trail by 6 or 7 so I can beat the crowds. Which leads me to this… what if, instead of “show up early” I gave the advice of “show up late”?

Well, that’s exactly what I did last Tuesday evening and as I pulled into the parking lot in the 5 (PM) o’clock hour, there were ample parking spots available. Hikers were streaming off the mountain like the cascading waterfalls that fill the lake high above the parking lot. Only a few others were beginning their hikes, myself included.

This ended up being a really nice way to experience the lake and the views. Evening light was touching on the mountains in the vicinity, golden glows were illuminating the tips of the trees and I had absolutely no baking sun to beat down on me as I climbed the 1500 feet from trailhead to Lake 22. By the time I got to the lake itself, there were only a very small handful of people still there. Less than ten, which is a far cry from the crowds that adjourn during the earlier daytime hours.

The trail itself was snow-free in mid-July, but having done it in other months, be sure to check AllTrails for an up to the minute trail report, because snow can stick around for awhile. Also, be sure to wear sturdy shoes. The section with rocks on the trail can do a number on your tender feet if you’re not prepared for it. Some might utilize hiking poles as well, especially for the more tedious downhill stretch, through the same aforementioned rocky area. And finally, besides the obvious need to bring ample water, bring a headlamp if you’re like me and hitting the trail in the evening hours. The canopy of trees will absolutely filter out all lingering overhead light and you don’t want to be on the trail with just your cell phone flashlight. It isn’t adequate...