Sometimes I don't understand why a hike is so popular, but Heather Lake, I understand. Despite being so rocky that my feet are still tender a day later, the trail simply feels ... lovely. And the lake, of course -- what a jaw-dropping place to eat lunch! It was perhaps slightly less grand than Goat Lake, but with a quiet serenity instead of backcountry party vibes. I felt something at Heather Lake that I haven't felt on many other hikes.
That being said, I went mid-week, so I can't say whether that je-ne-sais-quoi still exists amongst weekend crowds. I started at 10:50am on a Wednesday, saw 19 people on my way up, several dozen at the lake (although there were enough nooks that it didn't feel crowded), and 46 people on my way back down starting at 12:35pm. I was pleasantly surprised how much it felt like I had the trail to myself.
And now, fellow hikers, the only actual important part of this post: BERRY REPORT!
- ~1.2 miles from the trailhead, there was a patch of green thimbleberries that I expect will be ripe in a bit over a week.
- On the southeastern side of the lake (where the trail becomes a bit overgrown), there are salmonberries that are still growing their fruit.
Perhaps they'll all ripen simultaneously, and whoever hikes early around July 13 will have a feast?! I hope you enjoy.
Comments
Muledeer on Heather Lake
I also prefer Heather over 22, simply because 22 attracts the worst hiking behavior of any hike I've done. Heather seems to be much quieter and I hike on the weekdays
Posted by:
Muledeer on Jul 04, 2024 07:50 PM