Lake 22 Hike Guide: Everything to Know About This Popular Trail

A long, winding trail through the lush forest, past waterfalls and viewpoints leads you to the magnificent Lake 22.

Sitting in front of the towering, snow-covered Mount Pilchuck, this alpine lake has a mystery of a name, as no one is quite sure of the reason.

But what we do know is that this trail is commonly considered one of the best trails in Washington, so it’s highly worth a visit.

In this post, I’ll give you a fully detailed account of what to expect, what not to expect, and how to enjoy your Lake 22 hike.

Lake 22 Hike Details

Distance: 5.5 miles to lake/8 miles around lake
Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
All Trails Map

This is a moderately challenging nearly 6-mile hike through the lush, green, old-growth forest of Washington.

Leading you past several small waterfalls, around bends with mountain views, and across boarded platforms.

All of this before you even reach the main viewpoint- Lake Twenty-Two.

A fantastic alpine lake, nestled in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, just below the towering Mount Pilchuck.

Bordering the lake, you’ll find a short trail that allows you to have multiple perspectives of this fantastic spot.

You’ll see people of all ages and dogs of all kinds on this epic trail with lots of payoffs.

The Trail to Lake 22

Below you’ll find a complete walk-through of the entire trail to Lake 22 to help you best prepare for your adventure.

The Start

After you’ve managed to find your parking spot in the probably packed lot, head out for the trail entrance.

You’ll likely see a sign mentioning the landslide at 1.7 miles, which we’ll discuss later on.

The trail starts out very well-maintained and flat, before changing into a trail through a winding, lush rainforest.

You’ll see huge ferns lining the trail along the old growth forest floor along with the PNW’s signature hanging moss, covering every tree in sight.

After just over 1/2 mile, you’ll come across a small bridge crossing Twenty-Two Creek.

Continue along the forest trail as it starts to gain elevation slightly.

You’ll pass quite a few small waterfalls along the way, each created by glacial runoff from the mountains.

At about 1.6 miles, you’ll come across a larger waterfall, just before hitting the landslide.

Landslide

As promised at the start of the hike, you’ll run into a landslide at about 1.7 miles.

The route is slightly different because of this, so you’ll just need to swing around to the right side and climb up the hill.

It really isn’t that bad, as long as you use caution and watch your footing.

After this, continue along and you’ll start to see an opening in the trees.

Opening in the Trees

One of my favorite parts of hikes is when the long forest trail opens up and allows us hikesr to see what’s around us.

Look around and you’ll have amazing views of the mountains in the distance.

This part is kind of rocky, so be careful with where you’re stepping when you’re looking out at the view.

From here, you’ll cross many boardwalk areas as well as climb many wooden steps.

There may even be a small stream crossing or two, depending on the time of year that you’re visiting.

After about 3/4 of a mile, you’ll finally come to the bridge that crosses outlet where water flows out of Lake 22 and into the creek.

Lake Twenty-Two

Almost 2.5 miles later, and you’ll have officially made it to Lake Twenty-Two.

Stop and admire the view of Mount Pilchuck jutting out of the ground, creating the backdrop for the lake.

In the spring, it’s dotted with snow, creating that beautiful contrast between black and white.

The lake is lined with green pine trees and logs float around the lake, showcasing ones that have fallen from the mountains above.

Find a place to sit down and just admire the views that you worked so hard for.

It’ll likely be very busy at the lake, because this is such a popular destination.

If you want to have it to yourself (or at least more so than now), consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

After you’ve sat for a while, there is a boardwalk that loops around the lake, which you can choose to take if you’re feeling up to it.

Trail Around the Lake

The trail does continue around the entire lake via boardwalk and dirt paths, if you’re still energized for more hiking.

If you add this on, it’ll make the roundtrip distance just under 8 miles.

From the other side, you’ll get to see everyone else scrambling to get their views in of the picturesque lake.

If you do decide to add this portion of the hike on, please be sure that you’re staying on the trail as the nature is fragile and it’s dangerous to go off the path.

Once you’ve made it around the loop, stop and admire Lake Twenty Two for a while more before heading back to the car.

The Return

The Lake 22 hike is an out and back trail, so you’ll simply follow the way you came to get back to your car.

The way down should go faster than the way up, because you’ll have a full downhill stretch.

If there’s snow on the ground, use caution and consider pulling out poles or microspikes here to assist with the descent.

The trail might be even busier on your way out than on your way in, so mind the one-way traffic in some places.

Where is the Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead?

The trailhead for this popular hike is located in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, just 20 minutes from Granite Falls.

Driving directions are quite simple, as you’ll just continue on the Mountain Loop Highway for about 13 miles from Granite Falls.

The trailhead will then be on your right.

If you’re visiting during the summer, you won’t miss it, because there will be about 100 other cars trying to find a spot.

The Mountain Loop Highway is a popular destination with many great hikes along the road.

Because of its close proximity to Seattle (just over an hour!), many people use this trail.

All of the roads into the trailhead are paved and nice to drive on, so no worries about having a 4×4 vehicle! 🙌🏻

Distances From Major Cities

Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes
Leavenworth: 2 hours 30 minutes
Portland: 4 hours 20 minutes
Vancouver, BC: 2 hours 45 minutes
Spokane: 5 hours 15 minutes

Parking at the Lake 22 Trailhead

Parking can be difficult at the Lake 22 trailhead because it’s such a popular hike.

Especially if you’re visiting during the summer season, you can expect the parking lot to likely be full by 8:00 am.

There are about 50 parking spots, which may seem like a lot, but it’s really not at a place like this.

There are another few spots across the road in the Hemple Creek Day Use Area that many people use to park in.

If you’re looking to get a good parking spot without walking an extra mile, I would really recommend arriving as early as possible.

Weekdays are slower, as are days in the off season.

How Long Does the Hike Take?

The estimated time to reach Lake 22 is about 4 hours, but this can vary greatly from person to person.

It’ll all depend on your personal fitness level, how many breaks you take, how long you spend at the lake, the trail conditions, etc.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining how long a hike will take, so take that estimation with a grain of salt.

To read more about how long a hike like this will take you, you can read my post here.

Is the Lake 22 Hike Hard?

The Lake 22 hike is considered a moderately challenging hike.

There is about 1,300 feet of elevation gain over about 6 miles, so it won’t be too terribly difficult.

It has a pretty gradual incline for the entire hike and there are some exposed tree roots and rocks to cross over.

A landslide, at about 1.7 miles, happened recently which can make traversing the trail a bit more tricky.

When is the Best Time to Hike to Lake 22?

Planning when to do a trail in the mountains can be tricky when you’re dealing with snow.

So below you’ll find the best times to head out for this hike so you can plan accordingly.

Time of Year

Lake 22 is one of the few alpine lakes in Washington that is actually accessible most of the year.

But, that doesn’t mean that the off-season is particularly the best time to hike to it.

During the winter months, many people use crampons or snowshoes to help stay afloat on the snow covered trail, but you still may encounter sketchy snow bridges.

Avalanches also happen here in the winter and it really isn’t safe unless you’re trained in avalanche safety.

The parking lot also isn’t typically plowed and it’s hit or miss on whether parking will be available on the road.

During the spring and summer, the trail and parking lot are usually clear of snow and ready for hikers.

From May to October are the best times to hit this trail.

During this time, you’ll find warmer temperatures, less snow, and a greater chance of being able to complete the hike!

Time of Day

This trail ise extremely popular, especially because of its very close proximity to Seattle.

Because of this, it’s really recommended to start the trail either early in the day or later in the afternoon.

The parking lot fills very quickly, sometimes by 8:00 am.

Getting there before that or sometime after 3:00 pm will allow you to beat the crowds and have more solitude on the trail.

FAQ

Before you head out to complete this hike, take a look at these frequently asked questions which will help you plan better.

Why is it Called Lake 22?

Of course, one of the most commonly asked questions about this hike is, why the heck is it called Lake 22?

And no one really quite knows the answer to that question.

There are a few theories, according to WTA.

The first being that historical railroad maps listed creeks numerically and this lake and its creek were labeled number 22.

The second theory is that the section of the forest that the lake in is section 22.

Either way, a 720-acre area around the lake was named Twenty Two Research Natural Area in 1947 to end the logging of the forest.

What Pass Do I Need for Lake 22?

To park at the trailhead for the Lake 22 hike, you’ll need a Northwest Forest pass.

You can purchase an annual pass online by clicking here, or you can purchase a daily pass at the trailhead.

Do I Need a Permit to Hike to Lake 22?

No, there are no permits that are required for this hike.

Do I Need a 4×4 Vehicle to Get to the Trailhead?

I know the struggle of trying to figure out the road conditions to some of the trailheads in Washington.

Luckily, all of the roads in the Lake 22 trailhead are paved and are very easy to navigate.

Which is a major plus for those of us folks who don’t have a high clearance or 4×4 vehicle!

The only part that is dirt is the parking lot, but it’s pretty well maintained.

Is the Hike to Lake 22 Good for Kids?

Whether or not the hike to Lake 22 is good for you and your kids will depend on a few things.

It isn’t a terribly challenging hike, but it might be long for little ones with short attention spans, so you may end up carrying them back.

For older kids who have been hiking before, this would be a great hike for them to experience something a bit longer and moderately challenging.

With only 1,300 feet in elevation gain spread over the 5.5 miles, it’s definitely do able for those who enjoy hiking and can handle it on their own.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Trail to Lake 22?

Dogs are allowed on the trail to Lake 22, but they must remain on their leash.

There are some sections along the trail that might be too rocky for some dogs, so use your best judgement for your furry friend.

Please always remember to clean up after your dogs so that others don’t have to deal with it.

It’s also important to remember that leashing your dog is for the safety of others and wildlife, so please do so.

Can I Swim in Lake 22?

Yes, many people enjoy swimming in the lake as a refresher after the long hike to the top.

It can definitely be very nice, but also very cold!

So use caution, don’t swim alone, and have a towel to dry off with afterward.

Are There Bathrooms at the Trailhead?

There are bathrooms at the trailhead, so be sure to use them before heading out!

Is There Cell Coverage on the Trail?

There is no cell coverage along the trail to the lake or at the trailhead.

In fact, in my experience, the lack of coverage continued until we got out of the trailhead and a few miles down the road.

Where to Stay Near Lake 22

The closest town to the Lake 22 trailhead is Granite Falls, which honestly doesn’t have many options for places to stay.

But only 45 minutes away is the town of Everett, which has a few more options.

Best Western Cacadia Inn — If you’re looking for a budget stay, this is perfect for you. It has everything you’ll need, plus an outdoor hot tub! (42 min to Lake 22)

Silver Cloud Inn — This waterfront hotel has beautiful views into Possession Sound and offers a free breakfast every day. (55 min to Lake 22)

Hotel Indigo — Another waterfront property with a restaurant and snack bar on-site, as well as free breakfast and an indoor pool. (45 min to Lake 22)

Tips for Hiking In Washington

What to Pack for the Hike

Packing correctly for a hike can be the difference between a miserable time and a great time.

So be sure to pack the things below, as well as any other gear that you might personally need to ensure that you have a fun hike.

✅ Water –> It’s recommended to have 1/2 liter of water for every hour of hiking. Use a water bladder like this for easy drinking.

✅ Food –> Pack plenty of snacks and possibly a meal to enjoy at the lake to help keep you energized.

✅ Navigation –> Whether it be a physical GPS or an app such as All Trails on your phone, have something to help find the route.

✅ Headlamp -> Just in case you get stuck on the trail longer than you thought you would, always carry a light source, such as this headlamp.

✅ First Aid Kit –> Pre-made kits such as this one are perfect. I like to keep one in my backpack so I never have to remember to pack one

✅ Sun Protection –> It’s so important to protect your skin while out in the sun, so always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, etc.

✅ Sitting Pads -> Once you have one, you’ll never hike without it again. This is the affordable sitting pad that I use.

✅ Portable Charger –> In case your phone battery gets low, carry a portable charger and a charging cord.

✅ Identification –> You should always have your ID with you on a hike just in case.

✅ Camera –> Whether it’s a DSLR camera or just your handy iPhone, carry a camera with you on all hikes!

You can also read my post here to find a full list of what to pack for a day hike.

Wrap-Up: Lake 22 Hike

The mysteriously named Lake 22 has become a beloved hike to many Washington locals and those who visit the PNW.

With lush, green forest, waterfalls, beautiful mountain viewpoints, and a gorgeous alpine lake sitting beneath the tall Mount Pilchuck, what’s not to like?

Now that you know exactly what to expect on the Lake 22 hike, you can get out there and crush it on the trail.