Mount Pilchuck
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice
12 this month · 164 reports
Heather Lake
North Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Heather Lake remains snow-free as of November 3. However, recent reports indicate the trail is consistently described as rocky and rooty, especially on the upper portions, making trekking poles highly recommended. While the road is suitable for all vehicles, be aware that the trail can be quite wet and muddy in spots, even after dry periods. Some reports mention ice crystals forming on boardwalks as of October 12. Parking is generally available, with overflow lots often utilized on busy days, August 28. Fall colors were noted around October 8.
Generated from 184 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Heather Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The upper three-quarters of the trail are frequently described as rocky and rooty, with some sections being quite eroded. This terrain can be tricky, especially on the descent, and trekking poles are highly recommended as of October 16 and September 28.
The road leading to Heather Lake is consistently reported as suitable for all vehicles. There have been no recent reports indicating any issues with road access.
As of November 3, the trail is reported to be snow-free. Earlier reports from October and August also confirmed no lingering snow, August 28.
The primary trail obstructions are numerous roots and rocks, particularly on the upper half of the trail, which can be slippery and challenging to navigate. Some reports mention mud and slick spots as well, October 12.
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Fall colors visible on surrounding peaks
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
As someone else recently said, this hike may look short and sweet on paper, but that is very deceiving. It’s not super challenging but isn’t exactly easy either. It’s basically all uphill until just b...
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
This hike looks short and sweet, but it is not. It lulls you in with a comfortable crushed gravel trail for three quarters of a mile, then hits you with a rocky, rooty, muddy mess all the way to the l...
Recent4 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Arrived around 2pm on a Monday afternoon, and the first parking lot was mostly full. There's an overflow lot, so. we could find space. Weather was ideal, but the trail was very wet and muddy in parts....
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Great hiking weather. Plenty of parking. Excellent graveled trail with steps at the onset, but bring your trekking poles for the rooty, rocky section ahead! Majestic trees—and huge stumps nursing the...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Lots of roots and rocks on the upper 3/4 of the trail. It's been several years since I hike this trail, don't remember it being so eroded. Highly recommend poles to navigate the rocks and roots. Lo...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Reached the parking lot at 7:15am, and found plenty of spots. The trail was in great condition, a bit wet and muddy in sections but nothing remotely challenging to pass. A bunch of tall steps on the m...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Slightly rough terrain when you get to switchbacks but a pretty easy hike overall with a great view of the lake. It was pretty foggy when we got to the top but still worth the trek!
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I finished off HikeaThon with an old favorite today, and it was a great day to be up there! Few people in the morning made for a nice quiet day at the lake. Great reflections on the lake and the fall ...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Another incredible lake crossed off my list!This is a short and pretty easily graded trail, around 2mi one way to reach the lake (you can walk around the lake to add more mileage or find a better rest...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We arrived at the Heather Lake parking lot just before 9am and found lots and lots of open spaces. Must be the overcast weather.The trail is in great shape for the first 1.5 miles with new stairs and ...