Goat Lake
2 days ago
Fall color arriving at the lake
13 this month · 113 reports
Lake 22 - Winter
North Cascades
updated 6 months ago
The trail conditions for Lake 22 vary significantly with the season. As of March 22, the trail was wet, requiring waterproof shoes, and snow was almost completely melted, allowing easy access to the lake. However, the loop around the lake still had a mix of exposed trail and hard-packed snow, with some recommending crampons. Earlier, in mid-March, the hike was characterized by significant snow, turning from slush to fresh powdery snow, with thigh-deep drifts in places for someone 5'2". In late January, the trail was slick and icy, with packed snow on the final quarter-mile to the lake, making crampons or Yaktrax and poles highly recommended. Mid-January also saw compacted snow on the final half-mile, forming a thick and narrow boot path, with micros recommended due to postholing evidence off the path. The lake was largely frozen over around January 18. Back in late December, the trail was in good condition with intermittent snow, and microspikes were recommended for the second half.
Generated from 18 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Lake 22 - Winter
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 6 months, so everything below is at least that old.
The last report in late December stated the road was suitable for all vehicles. No more recent reports have commented on road conditions, so it's advisable to check closer to your travel date.
Winter reports indicate a progression of snow. Initially, there can be intermittent snow in late December and early icy sections with packed snow near the lake in January. By mid-March, the trail can be covered in deep powdery snow, with thigh-deep drifts possible. As spring approaches, by late March, the snow is largely melted, though hard-packed snow can remain around the lake loop.
Yes, traction devices are frequently recommended. Microspikes were suggested for the second half of the trail in late December. In mid-January, micros were advised for the compacted snow path, and poles would be useful. In late January, crampons or Yaktrax and poles were handy due to icy conditions.
Parking can be variable. In late January, the lot was mostly open in the morning but full by mid-morning. Mid-January noted it was a high visitation day, implying good attendance, but didn't specify parking availability beyond being busy.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The trail is wet so waterproof shoes are a must. Snow is almost completely melted making getting to the lake easy without crampons. The loop around the lake I chose to wear crampons, but it’s a 50/50 ...
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Snow, snow, and more snow!We got to the trailhead around 9:20, and there was only one other car in the lot. It was a rainy morning and there was slush so we assumed that’s how it was going to be the e...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
It was a beautiful day for a hike. We got to the trailhead around 8:30am and parking was mostly open, but it was full when we got back to the car at 11:30am.The trail was really slick and icy in many ...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Sunday was a high visitation day as expected due to great weather. The mostly rocky parts of the trail were in great shape for hiking. In numerous places light stream flows provided a lot of chances t...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
trail was in good condition, though maybe 1.5 miles in, the trail starts to be covered in icy snow and micro spikes would be a good idea!
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
This is such a beautiful trail - both lake and forest! Microspikes are currently recommended for the second half.
Older9 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Roads up to the hike were clear. Only three cars in the lot when I showed up at 7:50am. I don’t have anything to track my miles but about a mile and half in you start to get snow and then there’s more...
Older9 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
with the recent storms, the trail had turned into a river. about a mile in we had to turn around due to the heavy volume of water
Older10 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Arrived at trailhead at 8:30am on a Wednesday and about half the lot was full. The trail is well-kept but very wet!! There are many little streams you have to cross so bring waterproof shoes or some e...
Older18 months ago
North Cascades
I arrived at the parking lot around 6:30 AM.There were only three other cars as I pulled in.After chugging some terrible coffee, I started my limb at 6:48 AM.Though I’ve been to Lake 22 a lot, this is...