I came across a photo of Lake Twentytwo (Lake 22) on Instagram a few months ago. Since then, I've been inspired to hike there to see the place for myself. Although a lot about social media irks me, Instagram in many ways has become a way for me to discover hikes I may never have come across otherwise. My wife and I have running notes in our phones with lists of hikes and places to explore - thanks, in part, to the incredible photographers and adventure-seekers we are following on social media. We were headed to Seattle to visit my family so naturally we were hoping to get out for a hike on Saturday.
I love the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website - it is full of comprehensive, updated information about hikes throughout the state. Unlike a lot of other websites, users post frequent trip reports to share possible issues to be aware of (road and trail conditions, how much snow to expect, etc.). On Friday afternoon, I noticed someone had posted that a creek had flooded a bridge making it impassable. It has been raining a lot after all. We decided to chance it. I am so glad we did.
After a late night watching my uncles' band play in Seattle, we pile in the car early Saturday morning and head north to the Mountain Loop Highway. The skies appear clear with clouds hanging over the mountains in the east. We enter the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and - of course - it starts to rain. Naturally. This has been the story of our winter hikes!
We arrive at the trailhead to a cold light drizzle and a few dozen cars in the parking lot. I am struck by how massive the trees are and am excited to see what this trail has in store for us. Within minutes of hiking, we find ourselves in a dense mountain rainforest. Old-growth trees tower above us, ferns and moss are ubiquitous, the pristine, crystal clear Twenty-two creek rushes along the trail.
Soon, we begin gradually climbing and we cross a few wooden bridges. I am impressed by the size of the trees in this forest (which I later looked up) - massive red cedar, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and alder. The trail follows the creek and I am delighted by a number of small waterfalls that cross the trail. Gore-Tex boots are a must in the winter. My aesthetic eye enjoys the countless wood stairs we climb as we ascend through the forest.
After 1.5 miles or so we leave the forest - I notice blue sky and shining sun and am hopeful we may have some views of the lake. Soon, we re-enter the forest and are greeted with some snow on the trail. We pass a number of groups of hikers wearing Nikes and I wonder how much they are enjoying their wet feet. A few people inform us there is a lot of snow at the lake (but no one seemed all that excited by it). I love snow.
The trail continues to climb along the creek and we soon find ourselves in a very snowy forest - to my delight.
Although I am carrying micro-spikes, I never put them on. Thankfully, the trail was packed so they were not essential. As usual, I lag behind the group, marveling at the snowy forest sights and enjoy the sun shining through trees.
Myles makes his way towards the curiously named Lake Twentytwo.
With blue sky above us, I know we are close to the lake - and suddenly, it is upon us. I find myself in awe of this place - fresh snow blankets every tree, the north face of Mt. Pilchuck is shrouded by clouds, the sun fights its way through to us.
There are a number of other hikers at the lake when we arrive. Although people are talking to each other, they seem totally captivated by their surroundings. I kneel on the snow and try my best to soak up the beauty of the place.
I could have sat at the lake all day trying to breathe in every detail - but alas, we start to make our way back to the trailhead. I reflect about how lucky I am to be healthy and fortunate enough to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and grateful to share these moments with those I love most. Until next time, Lake Twentytwo.
“This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used.”