Oh wow, this happened a while ago. In fact, I think it was the last time I’ve hiked…hmm. We must remedy this. Soon. But it’s been raining, and there’ve been progress reports, and…and… Anyways, we went up the Mountain Loop Highway with B, E and little baby S a few weeks ago. The trail was snow free until the last 1/2 mile or so. We brought the snowshoes anyways though, because Tom’s training to climb Mt. Baker in a few weeks, and “needed the weight”. Ah, my husband the pack mule. The trail up was pleasant with several nice waterfalls along the way and some big, fuzzy trees; a Northwest speciality.
When we got to the lake, it was still mostly frozen and the ice was making these beautiful swirly patterns where it was starting to melt. Lake 22 sits in a basin right behind Mt. Pilchuck, and the view of the mountain was quite stunning. It was also VERY bright at the lake, and I found it very difficult to be without my sunglasses for even long enough to take photos. Tom, however, forgot his sunglasses, so he took more photos. And they turned out better. Here’s one!
Lake 22 was my first adventure on the Mountain Loop Highway, and we will definitly be back soon!
Looks like a great hike! Oh right, I was there. It WAS a great hike. Cute baby.