The trail to Pinnacle Lake was straight forward. From there we worked around the lake and hiked up Iodine Gulch which was so much easier with no snow present and just a trickle in the creek like when we attempted this hike last November.  No through hike to Pilchuck this time due to a flat tire. There are slippery talus rocks, grass, and a good amount of scree on the trail up the gulch.

At the top of the gulch is a saddle and the trail starts to drop down into a tarn basin. At the first tarn is a trail right that we missed on the way in and instead went straight and took a second fork right a little further. As we ascended, I noticed a piece of metal downslope left that I retrieved and realized it must have been from a plane. We looked upslope and observed more wreckage. Climbing up we found the wreckage of a small plane like a Cessna or Piper Cub. We found a reference to a post of someone finding and reporting it back in 2018. Sadly, we also observed two burnt shoe soles, one a man's boot and the other a woman's pump.

Leaving this area a little further we arrived at a waterfall and checking the map realized we were below Bathtub Lakes, so we climbed the slope and arrived at the lakes. The day was cloudy though, so visibility was limited. From there we hiked around the three lakes and planned our ascent of Herman's Peak.

This whole part of the hike was a bushwhack. We climbed heather and rocks to a knife edge ridge that we traversed to the first bump where we had to butt scoot under tree limbs to a lower point where we could climb up to the higher point. We found a pink heart mylar balloon here and my hiking partner inhaled the helium and gave a hilarious commentary about how we should proceed (see link below). From there it was a pretty open climb to a 5000 ft. peak where we took a break. We thought this was Herman's Peak, but as we descend the sky cleared and we saw the 5000 ft. dome that is the official peak. It would have been a tough climb on wet rock. We chose instead to go down the slope and ended up intersecting the original trail we missed and quickly arrived back at the saddle above Iodine Gulch and hiked out.

So, this was basically a lollipop loop! 8 miles and 3000 feet. The road to the Ashland Lakes cutoff has been greatly improved as well as the Pinnacle Road to the bridge, but after that it's really rutted with intermittent large potholes. Just a few pullouts for passing.

The first part of the forest road is in great shape (new culverts, nicely graded), crews still working on it, their equipment is still parked along the road so there is hope for the rest of the road?? The last 1.8 miles are very rough - there is a section that could cause some pinstriping, the ruts are deep, potholes so large they cannot be avoided, and a section (marked with caution ribbon tied to tree branches) seems to be washing out, so choose your line carefully. We hiked on Labor Day, we were the 9th car at the trailhead. All the trailheads we passed on this holiday on the Mountain Loop Highway were relatively not busy! The trail is straightforward to Pinnacle Lake, moderate to difficult. There are 5-6 large blowdowns but not difficult to navigate. Pinnacle Lake is underwhelming so I’m glad we kept going. We skirted the left side of Pinnacle Lake near the water and over boulders just trying to find the best route. Once we reached the gully we lost the “trail” numerous times but honestly, it’s just a very steep gully that will take you up where you need to be if you know the general direction where you need to end up. Staying to the right side of the gully with some necessary crossing over talus proved to be the best. On the way down we were able to follow the “trail” better. I loosely call it a “trail”, it’s basically a very steep boot path that isn’t always clear. It’s not a trail. Halfway up the gully it splits into a faint Y, thanks to having AllTrails open I knew we needed to keep following to the right side. Once over the saddle it is just so beautiful! Some distant views but not much. Bathtub Lakes are a wonderland, the reflections are marvelous, campsites are perfection and swimming is excellent! What a beautiful place to explore! We only went past 3 of the lakes as we were pressed for time. I imagine that fall colors would be incredible up there! There were no bugs on the first day of September. We followed the Herman’s Peak map on AllTrails to guide us through the gully but did not go to the peak - total 8 miles with 2,300 feet gained. The whole trip took a lot longer than we estimated due to the slow up and down through the steep gully, having to be careful not to tumble down. Allow for more time than you think you need and bring more water than you think you need, or just filter at the lakes. It would be wonderful to backpack and spend the night up there but that’s for younger knees than mine.

Fun day up to Bathtub Lakes!  The road in was not as bad as others had mentioned.  There were some pretty deep large holes and one rough section with lots of rocks.  We had a high clearance truck and didn't have any issues.  Someone else made it up in a Subaru.  

Lots of downed trees on the trail to Pinnacle Lake.  Not a problem as our destination was to scramble up to Bathtub Lakes.  Navigation around Pinnacle Lake was pretty straightforward.  Once you hit Iodine Gulch it is just lots of climbing over boulders heading up.  The top is pretty steep and gave us a great workout!  We checked the map a few times, but did not have a problem finding the way.  We put on our helmets about halfway up the gulch, figuring since we were carrying them we might as well carry them on our heads.  

The lakes are gorgeous.  We were hoping to scramble the east ridge to the lookout, but didn't have enough time due to a late start.  We would like to return on a clear day to enjoy the views.  We had the place to ourselves and didn't see another person until about halfway back down Iodine Gulch.  

Lots of berries (the largest Salmonberries I have ever seen!) and marmots.  Super fun day.  

I wish there was a category for obstacles on trail that said "nothing but loads of rocks to climb over" 

I do feel guilty writing about this trail, because it was kind of a secret for so many years. But, the secret is out, and so I'm here to tell you all the reasons you don't want to do it.

Well, actually you'll just need to go to slowesthiker.com of follow the link, because I just got done writing it and don't feel like writing anymore. Happy trails that aren't actually trails! ;)