During my first winter in Seattle I had the urge to go on a hike one day. I ended up choosing the Heather Lake hiking trail due to its proximity to Seattle and seemingly mild trail attributes. After completing this hike, I found myself researching all of the other similar trails in the area and have come back countless times. In this blog I’ll talk about my experience hiking to Heather Lake and give you a few things to consider before heading out on your hike.
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ToggleGetting There:
This trial is only about an hour away from Seattle. This makes the trail is easily accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway. There is parking available, but make sure that you pay when you arrive or bring you U.S. Forest pass along with you. I saw a ranger circling the parking lot before my hike, and it looked like they were pretty on top of ticketing vehicles.
I recommend arriving to the trailhead as early as possible. I got there around 9am and the lot was nearly full! This was not too much of a shock due to the popularity of this trail online, but it is something to consider. I did not notice any overflow parking available, but if you know of any please comment below!
Trail Details:
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4.6 miles round trip
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1060 feet of elevation gain
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Busy trail
I encourage you not to be discouraged by the elevation gain in the short 2 miles. If you take it slow, stop for short breaks, and enjoy the view on your way up you will be just fine. The trail is fairly well maintained, but there are a few spots where you have to take a large step up over some boulders. The trail was extremely muddy when I was here, so good shoes are a must to keep you from sliding around on the steep trail down.
Scenery:
The trial is very scenic on the way up to the lake. You start out walking along a creek that follows you all of the way to the top. You then go through a very forested filled with trees, moss, and many other plants. I even found some oyster mushrooms while hiking here!
Heather Lake:
The lake itself is remarkable! I think that going in the winter offered me a unique experience. The water was extremely clear, there were not a ton of people up at the top, and it was very quiet at the top. I have heard from a friend that the lake can get murky in the summers, so I recommend checking it out in the winter or spring.
The trail follows the lake back quite a ways. There are a ton of areas where you could set up a hammock or a camping chair and relax for a few hours. The lake is also surrounded by waterfalls – making it feel incredibly unreal up there.
Tips for Hikers:
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Pack Accordingly: This is a very rainy area of Washington. Bring appropriate shoes and rain protection to keep you warm.
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Leave No Trace: Help preserve the trail by packing out all trash and respecting wildlife and vegetation.
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Check Conditions: Before leaving for your hike, check trail conditions and weather forecasts to ensure a safe experience.
Conclusion:
The Heather Lake hiking trail offers a perfect blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. It is well worth the drive from Seattle to check this hike off of your list. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the Heather Lake hiking trail!
Check out my blog about my favorite waterfall hike in Washington here!