Joined: 09 Jun 2004 Posts: 1390 | TRs | Pics Location: Livin' on a prayer
Sun May 31, 2009 10:51 pm Heather Lake 05/31/09 (Mtn Loop Highway)
After enjoying a hike to Lake Twenty-Two with the rest of Puget Sound I decided to trot on up to Heather Lake since they are neighbors after all.
Upon arrival, the Ranger was just getting ready to leave and a few vehicles had tickets for not having a parking pass.
Lots of people, as one would expect, on a sunny weekend.
Last quarter mile or so is completely on snow, with some thinning bridges, but the route is easy to follow.
The last quarter mile before the snow was really muddy. Amazingly muddy.
This was the first time I've been to Heather Lake and been able to see across the lake.
Some pics (as is, out of the camera, because I'm tired).
-------------- Sedro-Woolley: Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas." ~John Dryden
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Joined: 09 Jun 2004 Posts: 1390 | TRs | Pics Location: Livin' on a prayer
Mon Jun 01, 2009 4:49 pm
No way!
I saw you because I thought: "Hey! That looks like Jasper!". Seriously.
I was THIS close to saying something but then thought the chances were low... and didn't think I'd understand Jasper's reply anyway.
My apologies... it would have been great to chat.
~E
-------------- Sedro-Woolley: Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas." ~John Dryden
My Trip List
Heya
You should have said hello!
I was there with my friend and her big oaf of a dog, Spiro. It was insanely crowded but my friend is just getting back into hiking and so I didn't want to kill her on her first time out.
Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:59 pm Heather Lake attracts crowds
Perhaps there are far too few trails available due to washouts, closures, etc. I have avoided Heather, referring to old memories of rough and boring trail and a second class lake. Well, I indulged in a late afternoon-evening hike and the pay-off was huge! Huge! Er...pardon me, Paris Hilton, since you have claimed ownership to the word....
A stop at Verlot R.S. found disclosure that snow and mud would be met near the top and at the lake. We went and did, indeed, meet snow and mud. Nothing that we had not encountered at neighboring Lake 22 near a month ago. The surprise? I forgot the spectacular thrust of wall and peaks, the incredible beauty of the lake, the multitude of waterfalls and the kinetic energy of the place, sans crowds, of course. I am ashamed and must rely on memories: I now think I used Heather as a sort of "back stop" hike and visited it in miserable weather, becoming unaware of the grandness of the place. I have even written of this old observation in these threads.
Ergo, we will visit Heather again and soon! The horrid upper trail conditions not withstanding, it is worth the price to pay. And, from the crowds, many are willing to buckle up and trudge the 2 miles to the lake and enjoy splendor that few lakes can deliver. Humble Pilchuck is almost Eiger, here, worthy of notes and photos, perhaps a hymn!
Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:37 pm Re: Heather Lake attracts crowds
Sabahsboy wrote:
Perhaps there are far too few trails available due to washouts, closures, etc. I have avoided Heather, referring to old memories of rough and boring trail and a second class lake. Well, I indulged in a late afternoon-evening hike and the pay-off was huge! Huge! Er...pardon me, Paris Hilton, since you have claimed ownership to the word....
A stop at Verlot R.S. found disclosure that snow and mud would be met near the top and at the lake. We went and did, indeed, meet snow and mud. Nothing that we had not encountered at neighboring Lake 22 near a month ago. The surprise? I forgot the spectacular thrust of wall and peaks, the incredible beauty of the lake, the multitude of waterfalls and the kinetic energy of the place, sans crowds, of course. I am ashamed and must rely on memories: I now think I used Heather as a sort of "back stop" hike and visited it in miserable weather, becoming unaware of the grandness of the place. I have even written of this old observation in these threads.
Ergo, we will visit Heather again and soon! The horrid upper trail conditions not withstanding, it is worth the price to pay. And, from the crowds, many are willing to buckle up and trudge the 2 miles to the lake and enjoy splendor that few lakes can deliver. Humble Pilchuck is almost Eiger, here, worthy of notes and photos, perhaps a hymn!
Photos to follow in a few minutes, I pray!
I've avoided Heather also, partially because I grew more fond of its crowded rival Lake 22, and then I think I stopped going even there. Perhaps a re-visit is in order. Sometime.
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