The trail was in good shape. However, the last quarter mile was snow covered, but easily passable. There was a TON of snow at the lake. It was beautiful. The waterfalls off of the surrounding bowl were amazing.

bruno my four legged buddy and I hit the heather lake trail about 8 o'clock, no one else in site.Infact the whole trip we were alone. the trail was perfect, and the weather was o.k there was some snow just before the lake. I had my snowshoes,but not enough snow yet,maybe a week or so. Its beautiful up there it doesn't matter what time of year you go. bruno had a ball playing in the snow, he didn't want to leave. but I rule. don and bruno

It was great to be the only people at Heather Lake on this cloudy Friday. The forest is gorgeous with many enormous first-growth firs and cedars. We circled the lake on the impressive trail that includes long sections of boardwalk (I hadn't been on this trail in quite a few years and didn't remember seeing this trail before). The only problem with this hike is that it's too short for a full day (it's four miles round trip, plus about a half-mile to circle the lake). We decided to drive up to the Boardman Lake trail for a bit more walking. Boardman Lake trail is an easy two miles (round trip). The lake is pretty, and must be even more so on a sunny day. It started raining while we were there. It too has a beautiful old growth forest to enjoy along the way.

Now is the perfect time to visit Heather Lake. There were only 5 cars at the trailhead at 9 am on this perfect sunny Saturday. The first mile is through second growth with gigantic cedar stumps. The second mile is through spectacular old growth forest. The trail is snowfree until the last ¼ mile. The beautiful lake basin is still buried in snow that’s 1-10 ft deep. The snow is easy to walk on with the assistance of ski poles. The snow walk around the lake is delightful. The walking is actually easier than after meltout because the boulder field at the west side of the lake is smoothed over with deep snow. It was 78 degrees and no insects, yet. A lot of people started arriving as we were hiking out around 11:30 am. 30 cars in the lot on return. Getting there early makes a big difference.

We were very surprised to find the lower 3/4 of this trail dry and in good condition. The size of the cedar stumps and the old growth remaining make this a worthwile hike to check the snow line as well as a chance to get some of the winter weariness out of the body. About 20 minutes from the lake the snow appears and is 6-8 feet deep (hard pack on the trail) at the lake. One section of the boardwalk is accessible and was dry thanks to a cloudy but not rainy morning. On our way down we passed about 30 people headed to the lake (18 in one group). Don't forget your trail passes, the ranger had checked this trailhead.