3/20/2010 @ 9:00

3/20/2010

Postal code 98037, US
Lynnwood, WA 98037

There may not be any snow, but you must be prepared for it and possibly icy conditions. it would be a good idea to have some traction devices along, just in case. This meetup will start at 9am at the trailhead. We will hike the trail up to Lake 22, have lunch at the lake and then take a walk around the lake (snow level permitting) before making the descent to the parking area. This is a really great trail and beautiful hike. It's a roundtrip of about 5.5 miles. The gain in elevation is about 1,400+/- feet. Three 'Yes' RSVPs will be required for this hike to go on as scheduled. We will go rain or shine. So, bring rain gear, jacket and all your ten essentials. The weather in the area of Mount Pilchuck can change quickly. Washington Trails Association describes Lake 22 in this way: "Even in the rain, this is a great hike: streamside scenery, old-growth forests, incredible displays of color on a talus slope, and a beautiful lake with a half-mile high mountain wall as a backdrop make this trip well worth the 5 mile round trip, and 1400 feet of elevation gain. If you've got 3-4 hours, consider spending it on this hike. It is popular, so if you are looking for solitude, this might not be the best place. But if you don't mind sharing the trail with quite a few people and an occasional golden retriever, go for it. The area surrounding Twenty-Two creek leading up to the lake was protected for research in 1947, so much of this hike is through marvelous old-growth forest and is more pristine than many other hikes that have portions that have been logged in this century. This 2.7 mile hike starts out climbing slowly for the first 0.6 mile to the one and only crossing of Twenty-Two Creek. This part of the trail is not very steep, but has some rocky spots. Past the bridge, the trail climbs moderately, switching back several times with nice views of waterfalls and cascades on every return to the creek. Eventually, the trail leaves the creek and forest for a bit to tread out onto a rocky and sometimes difficult to navigate talus slope. The trail switches back on the talus several times, and, if you are hiking in spring, note the moss on the alder trees on the upper part of the talus, a beautiful juxtaposition with the red leaves still decaying from the previous autumn. Beyond the talus, the trail re-enters the forest, returning to Twenty-Two creek once again. In early spring, this stretch of trail could by quite muddy, with standing water in many spots. The trail continues past more water features, and climbs at a leisurely rate until the lake is reached. The lake itself has an impressive backdrop. Mount Pilchuck towers nearly half a mile vertically above this wondrous tarn, so bring a wide-angle lens for the best photo opportunities. The lake is surrounded on 3 sides by cliffs, and it is hard to not be in awe of the setting. Take time to linger here, before enjoying the scenery on the hike back down." Maps: Green Trails #109 Granite Falls Green Trails #110 Silverton Directions: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway approximately 13 miles to the Lake 22 trailhead in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The parking lot is two miles after the Verlot Public Service Center. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicles parked at the trailhead.