Lake 22 Trail has old growth forest, stream and creek crossings, views over rolling hills, a boulder field and a dramatic amphitheater-like summit with a stunning Alpine lake. So yes, it’s a pretty great hike! We didn’t expect it to be so varied and enjoyable if we’re being totally honest, but we’re so glad we gave it a shot.
In this guide we explain everything you need to know about day hiking Lake Twenty-two Trail, based on our experiences.
Our Experience
We spent 6 months living near Seattle in the summer of 2021. And in that time, we must have hiked a hundred trails in the national parks and everywhere in between. We usually prefer mountain peak summits like nearby Mt Pilchuck Trail (which we also highly recommend you do), but our serene hike to Lake 22 on July 31st in 2021 was definitely a highlight.
The trail was a great middle distance with enough elevation gain to make it a good challenge but without being too strenuous. It was also varied enough to keep things interesting on the way up and down. The path was busier than we’d hoped, but it was a Saturday morning in peak Washington hiking season after all! Read more about us.
What You Need To Know
Okay, let’s dive right in. Here are the most important things you need to know about hiking to Lake 22:
- Parking is open dawn to dusk and is free of charge.
- But you must display a federal pass in your car at the trailhead.
- You can use a National Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Hike very early or much later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Robust shoes are more suitable for the boulder field section.
- No hiking equipment or specialist gear is required.
- It can be bad for bugs in summer months so don’t forget repellant.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks or a light lunch for the summit.
- Check comments on All Trails to see recent conditions.
- Lake 22 is a dog friendly trail but steep boulder sections might not be suitable for some dogs.
Trail Statistics
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Trailhead: Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead (Mountain Loop Highway)
Tip: It’s 5.4 miles roundtrip if you summit at the lake and turn back, but it’s more like 6.8 miles roundtrip if you hike a full loop around the lake before returning.
Lake 22 Trailhead Parking
Lake 22 Trailhead is located along Mountain Loop Highway, just 13 miles from the small town of Granite Falls. The Mountain Loop Highway continues through Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as far as Darrington, which has a connecting road up to North Cascades National Park.
Distances and average driving times to Lake Twenty Two Trailhead from nearby cities:
- Seattle – 56 miles (1 hour 5 minutes)
- Bellevue – 57 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
- Renton – 33 miles (40 minutes)
- Everett – 29 miles (40 minutes)
- Tacoma – 90 miles (1 hour 35 minutes)
Either input “Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead” into your maps app, or use this Google Maps location to open it directly into your phone and hit directions.
When you arrive you’ll find just one parking area with no overflow lots or alternative trailheads with connecting paths. The parking area is circular with natural dividers made of trees and bushes. We didn’t count but there’s maybe 60-70 space in total, which sounds a lot but it fills early in the morning on weekends and especially holidays.
The lot was almost full when we arrived at 7:00am on a Saturday morning at the end of July. We set off from home super early to avoid parking issues and we still almost didn’t make it in time.
Trail Map
As you can see in the map we created above, Lake 22 Trail is a very straightforward hike. After parking, you’ll gradually climb 1,400 ft over 2.7 miles until reaching the lake, which you can optionally walk around. There are no spur trails or connecting trails, so it’s hard to go wrong.
Trail Walkthrough
Next, let’s walk through the trail exactly as we hiked it so you know what to expect.
1. Start The Hike
We parked in one of the last open spaces, grabbed our gear, used the vault toilet and hit the trail. The path started as a gravel track leading into the forest and we immediately passed by a blend of hemlock, cedar and alder trees as we began to gain elevation. After half a mile we crossed a long wooden bridge over Twenty Two Creek and passed by lots of small waterfalls.
2. Climb Through Rainforest
The trail turned steeper, rocky and more challenging with huge slippery tree roots, so we were careful with foot placements. To take our minds off the thigh burn and deep breaths, we simply looked around to admire moss-clad trees and emerald green vegetation. Quintessential Pacific Northwest forest hikes like these are what made us move to Washington for half a year!
3. Landslide
At around 1.7 miles we approached a section of trail that appeared to be blocked off. It was part of a landslide that’s changed the route slightly, but it was easy to navigate around. We climbed up a steep bank on the right side and moments later the path opened into an area completely covered in boulders. We hopped our way across easily enough, but it might not be suitable for younger kids or small dogs.
4. Mountain Views
The landslide rocky section was completely open and exposed to the elements because we were finally out of the tree line. But that also meant gorgeous views began opening up over distant rolling hills. We kept gaining elevation on rocks and puncheon bridges (wooden frames made into steps) due to the trail being wet and boggy, all the while the views were getting better and better.
5. Boardwalk
Then all of a sudden the trail flattened and we’d reached the summit. We could see towering cliffs ahead, so we quickly walked through forest for the final stretch until arriving at a fork on a wooden boardwalk. We took the left turn which led to a small bridge and instant views over the dramatic cliffs encircling Lake 22. On a clear day you can see Mt Pilchuck fire lookout on top, but it was cloudy when we arrived.
6. Lake 22
Many hikers were sat on the other side of the small wooden bridge eating lunch, so we did the same thing. After taking in the views and grabbing a bunch of pristine reflection photos on the lake surface, we quickly looped around the boardwalk to enjoy different perspectives. There were 2 kayakers on the lake and even a few swimming, so don’t forget swimsuits if you hike on a blazing hot day!
7. The Descent
We already knew exactly what to expect on the way back down, but we took our time to appreciate the natural environment and enjoy those fun puncheon bridges. The trail was getting busy and we passed by a lot of hikers, so we were glad to have gotten that early start but we did have to wait a few times at narrow sections of trail and on the boulder field.
Where To Eat And Stay
Most people treat Lake 22 Trail as a standalone day hike. But here are the top rated places to eat and stay if you decide to take on more hikes around the region:
Restaurants:
- Thai – Eat Thai
- Italian – Omega Pizza & Pasta
- Mexican – Playa Bonita
- Steakhouse – Buzz Inn
Lodging:
- Lake Stevens – Mansion Inn
- Marysville – Holiday Inn Express
- Marysville – La Quinta Inn & Suites
You’ll be fine for eating out but hotels are another story. Lodging options near and along Mountain Loop Highway are sparse, but worst case you can tent camp, sleep in your car or drive to another nearby town.
The Morgan Conclusion
What we like: The mixed terrain and varied trail kept us entertained on the way up and down. We really enjoyed the Alpine lake summit and it’s great that a wooden boardwalk has been built to allow hikers to loop the whole lake.
What we don’t like: Parking can be an issue (like most hikes in Washington!) and it’s not as close to the urban areas around Seattle as many other excellent day hikes. The trail can be overcrowded on weekends and holidays in summer and fall. Also, the trail is slippery, rocky and of course now has a boulder field which might put some off.
Is Lake 22 Trail worth it? Yes! The trail to Lake 22 is a great middle distance and level of difficulty for a solid workout but with overdoing it. It’s perfect for families, couples, solo hikers and dog owners who love to hike. And the Alpine lake summit is just reward for the climb. Add this one to your Washington day hiking bucket list!
More From Washington
- How to hike Mt Pilchuck Trail
- Top hikes in Mount Rainier
- How to hike Poo Poo Point Trail
- How to hike Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
- Hiking Wallace Falls State Park Trail
- How to visit Snoqualmie Falls
Want more Washington content? Head to our Washington Travel Guides to explore National Parks, popular day hikes and best things to do around Seattle.
We hope our guide to hiking Lake 22 Trail helps with planning your visit to the Cascade Mountains in Washington!
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us.