Name: Lake Twenty Two
Address: Pilchuck, WA
Rating: 5

more stats

2.3 miles

Distance

1,347 ft

Climb

-22 ft

Descent

01:33:57

Avg time

1,325 ft

Altitude change

1,101 ft

Altitude min

2,441 ft

Altitude max

1,106 ft

Altitude start

2,431 ft

Altitude end

10.9%

Grade

-5.7%

Grade max

40.1%

Grade min

2 miles

Distance climb

896 ft

Distance down

928 ft

Distance flat

01:33:57

Avg time

Lake Twenty Two Details

Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
- Snowshoe
Riding Area

Mount Pilchuck State Park
Pilchuck, Washington
Ref Number

#702
AKA

Lake 22
Difficulty Rating

Blue Rate
Local Popularity
95 in Hiking [+]
- 90 in Trail Running
- 70 in Snowshoeing
Global Ranking
#31031 in Hiking [+]
- #79945 in Trail Running
- #723 in Snowshoeing
Hiking SAC Scale

T1 Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Direction

Both Directions
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

No

The curiously-named Lake Twentytwo is the center of an oasis of alpine wetland nestled on the northern shoulder of Mount Pilchuck. The hike to the lake combines the best of mountain rainforests, old-growth, wetlands, and mountain views, yet it is readily accessible. In winter, the route to Lake 22 can be avalanche prone in winter. It's best to wait until the snow is melted on this popular Mountain Loop Highway trail.

The origin of Lake Twentytwo’s distinct name is uncertain, but a leading theory is that nineteenth-century railroad maps listed local creeks numerically; one particular creek and its source lake were assigned “22.” The name stuck, and in 1947 the 790-acre Lake Twenty Two Research Natural Area (RNA) was created, putting an end to logging and allowing future generations to appreciate the remaining old-growth cedars and hemlocks.

At the trailhead, set out on a well-maintained track that quickly becomes a mountain rainforest trail. Substantial effort has gone into building a trail that can withstand the perpetual beating from the arch-enemy of all trails, water. Gravel, turnpikes, stone steps, puncheon bridges, and more turnpikes make a sustainable trail surface possible. There is always "water on trail" here, but the dampness allows ferns and moss to flourish in the Mountain Loop rainforest, and provides a trail environment fascinating to little ones.

The trail climbs steadily through the forest of western hemlock, mountain hemlock, alder, and red cedar. Old-growth hemlock and cedar giants have managed to persist due to the RNA. Substantial segments of the lower trail cross active creekbeds, so plan on wearing footwear appropriate for fording small creeks. At 0.6 miles, there is a bridge crossing over Twentytwo Creek, giving your boots a break from keeping your feet dry. But the ample water supply keeps salmonberry, thimbleberry, bunchberry, arnica, and bleeding heart growing thick all along the way. You are never far from the rush of water, and several waterfalls are located close to the trail.

At 1.5 miles, leave the forest and climb a talus slope, where western columbine makes an appearance in the summer. This middle segment offers views of Whitehorse Mountain and Three Fingers on clear days. Trudging onward, reenter the forest at 2.1 miles. Shortly thereafter, the terrain takes on a wetland character, with skunk cabbage blooming in the spring. When you reach the bridge over Lake Twentytwo's outflow, you have traveled 2.7 miles through lush rainforest. Marvel at the sheer northern face of Mount Pilchuck, with its waterfalls and (sometimes) booming avalanches in winter and spring. Take in the reflections of rock, sky, and evergreens on the surface of a pristine alpine cirque.

There is a trail around Lake 22, but please keep to it. The boulder field above may be tempting to scramble, but it is dangerous to navigate. Fatalities have occurred when groups of hikers have ventured up the boulder field.

Gain: 1350 ft.
Highest Point: 2400 ft.

5.4 miles, roundtrip

Access Info

Take Hwy 92 to Granite Falls, where it ends and becomes E Stanley Street. Go east 0.3 miles, then turn left (north) onto N Alder Avenue, which turns into the Mountain Loop Highway. 10.6 miles later, enter the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. 2.1 miles past the entrance to the Forest, pass over Twentytwo Creek, and 0.4 miles farther, turn right at the entry for the Lake Twentytwo trailhead. The parking area is located around a gravel loop and holds nearly 50 cars. There is a privy available.

Northwest Forest Pass Required

Disclaimer

Cars blocking the highway near the Lake 22 trailhead will be towed. Park in designated areas only or visit this trail during the week to avoid parking concerns

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week

1 rides
9 miles average

6 Months

17 rides
7 miles avg distance

All

60 rides

c1	c2	c3	c4
January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

update trails status or condition

Lake Twenty Two Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Jul 20, 2024 @ 9:32pm Jul 20, 2024	Closed until October 10th 2024 for reconstruction and repair.
	Feb 24, 2023 @ 3:19am Feb 24, 2023	Lots of ice. Highly recommend spikes
	Jul 9, 2021 @ 5:08am Jul 9, 2021	Some water but not muddy to stick to boots. One area was a harder trail bypass due to the slide that is mentioned at beginning but we got thru it...
	Apr 3, 2021 @ 6:34pm Apr 3, 2021	Excellent hike today, but expect some extra wet places from snow melt. Around mile two you hit a tricky bottleneck caused by a trail detour around...
	Jul 17, 2020 @ 11:44am Jul 17, 2020	The trail is in great shape, but be prepared for wet spots - wet rocks, running water over drainage rocks in places, shallow mud, muddy roots.

Routes with this trail

Lake 22 Loop

6 miles • 1,477 ft • 3 • Out & Back •

1 Review & Comments

Score Time

We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

Create a FREE account to view trail comments and much more.

Create a Free Account

Nearby Trails

Mount Pilchuck State Park

FB

Tweet

Pin
embed Lake Twenty Two trail on your website

By boxxerace TRAILFORKS EMBA-BOD & contributors
#214517 - 3,733 views

Follow/Subscribe
Add To Favorites
flag
login to download gpx or kml files.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Twenty Two

▼ Where is Lake Twenty Two located?

Lake Twenty Two is located in Mount Pilchuck State Park, Pilchuck, Washington, United States. It is part of the Mount Pilchuck State Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 48.07732, -121.7458.

▼ How hard is Lake Twenty Two?

Lake Twenty Two is rated as Blue difficulty. The average grade is 10.9%.

▼ What is the elevation gain for Lake Twenty Two?

Lake Twenty Two has 1,347 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 22 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,101 ft to 2,441 ft.

▼ Is Lake Twenty Two a point to point trail?

Lake Twenty Two is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

Hit the Trail

Open in App

Get this trail on your phone instantly.

Download Trail

Save to wishlist, Garmin & download.

Find Related Routes

Find routes and users activities that include this trail.

You must enter a description before submitting.

Lake Twenty Two #702