Heather Lake─A Mountain Loop Favorite perfect for families and newbies

Quick Facts:

Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls

Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Roundtrip: 5.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet

Notes: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required.

‘Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX

Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs

More information: Day Hiking North Cascades 2nd edition (The Mountaineers Books)

Access: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway east. One mile beyond the Verlot Visitors Center, turn right onto graveled FR 42 after crossing the “Blue Bridge.” Proceed for 1.3 miles to the trailhead.

A favorite hike for many to a little backcountry lake tucked beneath the craggy cliffs of Mount Pilchuck; just don’t expect to find much heather! That ubiquitous shrub of the alpine regions of the Cascades is pretty hard to find at this lake named for it. But what you can expect on seeing near this little subalpine lake are some fine old cedars. Pretty creeks too, and some nice views of Mount Pilchuck’s impressive rocky north face!

Expect also to meet plenty of folks along the way. One of the closest hikes to Granite Falls, this fairly short and easy trail is also an ideal choice for early season snowline probing. A perfect hike for introducing children to the backcountry and turning sedentary friends onto backcountry traveling—Heather Lake will delight experienced hikers as well.

Starting in a crowded forest of second-growth fir, you’ll also pass by some colossal cedar stumps—testaments to the ancient forest that once graced these slopes. The trail winds its way through dark woods eventually coming to an old woods road. Then utilizing the old road, the grade eases a bit before once again steadily gaining elevation.

Soon afterward enter a cool ravine that chatters with the sounds of cascading Heather Creek. Admire the old growth cedar giants lining the way—quite a contrast to the scrappy woods you first entered. Continue through the impressive woods and eventually reach the tranquil backcountry lake sitting snug in a semi-open cirque beneath Mount Pilchuck.

An 0.8 mile loop trail circumnavigates the lake. Be sure to take it to experience the many faucets of this little lake, from its jumbled boulder fields to its marshy meadows. Notice the presence of yellow cedar and mountain hemlock. These trees are more associated with higher climes, but the abundant snowfall and micro climate here favors them.

Consider a return trip in autumn, when tangles of vine maple add a crimson touch to the dark greens of the basin.

Heather Lake is one of 136 hikes featured in my best selling and most trusted Day Hiking North Cascades 2nd edition. For more detailed information on this hike and many more-pick up your copy today!