Overview
Lake 22 sits inside one of my favorite rain forest areas in Washington state. Many other people clearly feel this way as well because this is a very popular trail. It’s not the easiest hike as you might encounter fallen trees to climb over, streams to cross, and steep sections to hike up. One particularly memorable spot features a step carved into a fallen tree, aiding hikers in crossing without difficulty. Despite its popularity and frequent foot traffic, the Lake 22 remains one of my favorite trails.
The trail head sits at a low elevation and almost never has snow. As you get closer to the lake, you will likely encounter snow on the trail. During the entire hike you’re surrounded by small streams and gorgeous views. This trail truly has something for everyone, including your furry friends as it is dog friendly!
The History Behind Lake 22
Lake 22 has a history that dates back centuries. The origin of its name remains somewhat of a mystery. Some attribute it to the lake’s proximity to a forest road numbered 22. Others speculate it might be a reference to the 22nd mile marker along the road leading to the lake. Regardless of its etymology, Lake 22 has become a cherished destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The creation of the Lake 22 trail can be traced back to the early 20th century. At this point, efforts to establish recreational opportunities in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest were gaining momentum. The trail, initially developed for fishing and camping, evolved into a popular hiking destination. Over the years, the trail has undergone various upgrades and maintenance efforts to accommodate increasing visitor numbers while preserving the surrounding wilderness.
The allure of the Lake 22 trail for residents of Seattle is something that has always stuck out to me. Because it is only an hour away from Seattle, the trail offers a convenient glimpse into the Cascade Mountains. Hikers are rewarded with views of meadows, old-growth forests, and the waters of Lake 22. Additionally, the trail’s varying difficulty levels cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual day hikers to seasoned backpackers.
Throughout its history, Lake 22 has been subject to the whims of nature, including occasional floods. One significant flood occurred in recent years, resulting in damage to sections of the trail and surrounding vegetation. Fallen trees and debris are still scattered along the Lake 22 trail. Today, Lake 22 stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Washington’s wilderness.
Getting to the Lake 22 Trailhead
Getting to Lake 22 is fairly simple. I have tested out Apple and Google maps and had great luck getting to the trail using these platforms.
You start your journey from Seattle to Lake 22 by hopping onto I-5 North for approximately 22 miles until you hit exit 194 for Highway 2 East towards Snohomish. Keep cruising for another 2.3 miles until you spot the exit for 204 East – 20th SE. Take that, then hop onto 204 East towards Lake Stevens.
At the first roundabout, veer onto HWY 9 and cruise straight through the second roundabout to stay on HWY 9. After about 2 miles, turn right to Highway 92, then navigate through two more roundabouts, taking the second exit each time. Keep your eyes peeled for three additional roundabouts where you’ll take the second exit each time. This all leads youtowards E Quarry Road on the last roundabout.
Hang a left onto Mountain Loop Highway, and go for 12 miles until you reach the Lake 22 trailhead on the right side of the road. Get ready for an unforgettable hike through the stunning landscapes of Lake 22!
Lake 22 Trail Information
A few years ago there was a large amount of flooding on the Lake 22 trail. This caused for some damage throughout the trail. There are a few spots where you have to climb over trees, but it is nothing crazy. One even has a step carved out of it to help you get across.
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1, 350ft
Trail Traffic: High
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or $5 cash fee at the trailhead
When you first start the Lake 22 trail you will be immersed in a Washington rainforest. The elevation here is low enough that it very rarely snows at the start of this trail head, creating a mossy heaven. Trails like this are a big part of the reason why I love Washington so much. You hear a constant stream flowing in the distance and get to stare at various greenery while you climb over wet and mossy rocks.
The first mile –
This starts out by slowly climbing up in elevation. It is fairly gentle, but slowly you will start to feel your legs aching. The first mile is also scattered by rocks in the trail. There are many points where you will have to take a huge step, or even just scramble over wet rocks. For this reason I recommend bringing hiking poles with you on the Lake 22 trail. The first mile is also scattered with a few waterfalls! There is one area where you will cross over a well developed bridge and can view a Washington waterfall running its course.
People often talk about the need for waterproof shoes when hiking up to Lake 22. I definitely agree with those people! There are multiple stream crossings where you have to hop across rocks to make it through the trail. I made the mistake of wearing shoes that were not waterproof, and I was regretting that decision within the first mile of this hike. Because I was doing the hike in April, and it was actively raining, there were at least 5 water crossings. It was nothing dangerous, but it was impossible to make is through this trail without having wet feet.
The second mile-
This is where this trail starts to amp up. You will now be following switchbacks up the mountain to lead you to the iconic Lake 22. This part of the trail where you will run into a few stream crossings. They’re all small enough that you can rock hop across, but without waterproof shoes your feet might get wet.
Once you make it to the top, there is a trail that winds all of the way around Lake 22. In the summer people bring food, hammocks, or books and relax for a few hours. You can venture around the lake to the more secluded areas and try your shot and finding some Washington wildlife. This is an area where you can see bears, mountain lions, and other animals. While it is always a possibility, I wouldn’t be too worried due to how highly trafficked the Lake 22 trail is. That being said, if you’re hiking alone it is always best to make lots of noise and not wander too far away from other people unless you are well prepared.
In the winter the Lake 22 basin is a little different. This whole area is covered with snow from early fall – late spring. This makes it impossible to hike around Lake 22 at the end of your hike. It is important to remember that you are in a lake basin surrounded by steep and tall cliffs. This creates good conditions for avalanches, the largest reason why you should not hike around Lake 22 in the winter.
The trail back is of course the same as the one up to the lake, only this time you will be climbing down all of those rocks I mentioned. This is the part of the trail when hiking poles really show their true purpose. It takes so much pressure off of your knees to have a good pair of hiking poles to help support you. The way down can feel long and never-ending, but it typically takes people less time to get down the trail than up to Lake 22.
When to Visit Lake 22
Deciding on the best time to visit this trail involves a considering a few factors. This includes weather conditions, trail traffic, and the seasons. The proximity to Seattle draws in big crowds, especially on sunny holidays. While the trail remains accessible year-round, it experiences peak visitation during the summer months when the weather is most conducive to accessible outdoor recreation.
During the summer season, the Lake 22 trail becomes dense with foliage and wildlife. The warm, sunny days offer a very chill walk up to the lake. However, with popularity comes increased trail traffic, especially on weekends. I always recommend hikers to arrive early at the trailhead to secure parking and some of the trail traffic.
In the fall, the landscape surrounding Lake 22 undergoes a dramatic transformation. Snow begins covering the peaks and forests, while the rest of the trail is flooded with rain. While summer hiking conditions may be optimal, winter brings its own unique charm to the trail. However, hikers should be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially hazardous conditions. These include icy patches and deep snowpack at higher elevations. It’s typically less busy in the winter, but you’ll still likely see other hikers on the trail.
Throughout the winter months, snow often lingers at the top of the trail well into the spring. Proper equipment, including traction devices and trekking poles, is essential for safely navigating snowy sections of the trail. Additionally, the Lake 22 area experiences considerable rainfall during the winter, adding another layer of complexity to winter hiking endeavors. Despite these challenges, anyone willing to make the challenge is rewarded with smaller crowds.
What to Pack for Lake 22
When it comes to packing for the Lake 22 hike, it’s not much different from other hikes in Washington. You want to bring gear that can get wet and keep you dry along with food and water. Figuring out what you need to bring when you’re first starting out can be hard, so here’s a list of gear that I hike with. Keep in mind that while this hike is can be challenging, it’s not extremely remote. You should be able to pack light and still get all of the essentials for this trail.
PRO TIP – Layer with non-cotton clothing if you’re hiking in the rain. Cotton is the coldest fabric to be wearing if it’s wet. Instead, opt for polyester, fleece, or wool.
- Raincoat
- A hat (I wear a beany or a sun hat to keep my hair dry)
- Waterproof shoes
- Extra socks (Even the waterproof shoes get wet on a trail like this)
- Hiking poles
- Water
- Electrolytes
- Snacks
- Small first aid kit
- For layering in the winter – I wear a polyester top, a fleece pullover, a hoodie, and my raincoat.
- In the summer, I bring a swimsuit and a small towel so I can jump into Lake 22
- Bear Spray
Conclusion
Lake 22 is an accessible hike from Seattle and is worth the visit. You’ll get to experience a Washington state classic while getting a nice workout in for the day. Each season brings a unique visit to Lake 22, and I would recommend trying the hike during the off season. No matter rain or sunshine, enjoy your hike to this amazing alpine lake.