What is the road condition to the trailheads for Merritt Lake and Lost Lake?

The road to both trailheads is consistently described as rough and recommended for high-clearance vehicles. One report from [July 3](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-04.200330932232) specifically mentioned potholes and rocks, advising against low-clearance vehicles.

What is the trail condition from Merritt Lake to Lost Lake?

The trail beyond Merritt Lake is steep and described as a messy class 2 scramble through a gully with loose rocks and downed trees as of [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.132911161528). Navigating this section required careful assistance for a dog, suggesting it's challenging terrain.

Were there any issues with bugs reported recently?

Bugs were reported as an annoyance in July. However, recent reports from [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-08.132911161528) and [September 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.014535951484) state that there were no bugs.

Merritt Lake and Lost Lake

Q: What is the current condition of the trail to Merritt Lake regarding blowdowns?

As of [September 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-11.014535951484), a Forest Service crew had cleared most blowdowns on the trail to Merritt Lake, but some remained. A report from [July 3](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-04.200330932232) also mentioned significant blowdowns making some spots difficult to navigate.

Central Cascades

updated 2 weeks ago

Reports indicate that both Merritt Lake and Lost Lake trails are experiencing significant blowdowns, making navigation challenging. The road to the trailheads is consistently described as rough and recommended for high-clearance vehicles only. As of September 10, efforts were underway to clear trees on the Merritt Lake trail, with partial success reported. However, the trail to Crescent Lake, branching off the same path, still had a large mess of blowdowns. For Lost Lake, one report from September 6 details navigating numerous downed trees and a steep, loose gully before reaching the lake, noting it's more of a scramble than a trail. Bugs were noted as an annoyance in July, but were reported as absent as of September 6 and September 10.

Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Merritt Lake and Lost Lake

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of September 10, a Forest Service crew had cleared most blowdowns on the trail to Merritt Lake, but some remained. A report from July 3 also mentioned significant blowdowns making some spots difficult to navigate.