Today my friend and I tried to hike Mt. Pilchuck. The road leading to the TH is in very bad shape with huge potholes and a high clearance car is necessary. The trail starts out very icy, like an ice skating ring but it improves after a few hundred feet. Micro spikes are a must since the ice is wet and slippery from today's rain. The trail continues to be ok until the waterfall and after that it's a slick sheet of ice. We were very close to the rock climb, but turned back. Too icy and no views to be had. Fun hike nevertheless.

After this we decided to hike Heather Lake on our way back. This hike was snow free and easy to follow. It had some nice improvements that might have been done by wta. All and all a pretty hike, leading to a lovely lake with giant, impressive tree stumps on the way.

I want to mention that we bumped into a guy, on the Pilchuck trail, who lost his 2 dogs. By the time we left there was a search party looking for them. I hope they found them and were OK.

Hiked to Heather Lake Saturday for Overnight with my Dog (Bo) 110lb lab mix. The pot holes were rough but added a little more adventure to the trip. I really like the small rock climbing after the waterfall. you might have to help smaller puppies and small children. Also may need an extra hand for yourself at times. We hit the trail late around 3pm got to the campsite around 5 setup tent and walked around the lake. what a nice night the stars where out. The morning was cool/crisp with frost on the leaves and board-walks, The early morning and afternoon sun breaks made a beautiful day.We Packed up and headed back to the car around 11:00. was a great hike/camping trip.

For such a short hike, Heather Lake presents a challenge.  The other trip reports were not kidding about potholes in the road.  They were impressive!  However many vehicles made it to the trailhead, including a Prius.  The trail itself is an expression of what can be done and what needs to be done.

The first 2 miles are rocky in places but show the effects of good trail work.  This ends after the graveled former logging road and subsequent switchbacks.  Then the real rocky and rooty section begins.  In one place the summer brush growth is crowding the trail.  There are steps in places (thank you) but the first riser is often 2 feet high.  There are lots of places which could use more steps and the whole trail needs clearing of rocks, lots more dirt & gravel fill, and drainage.  Many of the culverts were clogged or simply abandoned on the surface.

The trail improves for the last half mile as it approaches the lake. There is a nice trail augmented by long puncheons all around the lake.  Several good campsites southwest of the lake spillway were in use.  Lots of dogs on the trail today and lots of abandoned doggy poop bags unfortunately.  Why bag it if they are not going to pack it out?

This was our lucky day.  We not only met 3 Forest Service people on the trail but also a frog.  With omens that auspicious, I bought a lottery ticket.

This is a fantastic hike for all those who enjoy a slightly challenging ascent and descent, rewarded with terrific views of Heather Lake and glorious mountains. Halfway expected to see bear or mountain goats in the surrounding meadows but the human traffic surely keeps them away.  The trail is well kept though today it was made more difficult due to a lot of mud and very slippery boulders to navigate.  The only downside were the many off leash dogs on the trail. The access road is decent; better than many others in the area.  Arrive early unless you like hiking in a crowd.  Enjoy! 

Great hiking conditions, beautiful clear skies and warm weather. We sunbathed on rocks surrounding heather lake and dipped our toes in the water to cool off. Shaded areas of the trail still had some snow on them.