Heather Lake — Friday, Jun. 4, 1999

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The hike started in a light drizzle under the canopy of the forest but the rain got stronger about halfway through and I had to put on the waterproof pants. There was a cool mist hanging in the trees and the hike passes a number of interesting trees including old growth stumps of 6-10 foot diameter that had been harvested. Much of the trail was like walking on a trickling little stream, and the rain and snowmelt created a handful of sizable stream crossings along the way. About 1/3 of a mile from the lake the first bits of snow started cropping up and within no time you are hiking in snow that is still 5-12 feet in depth as you approach the lake. Watch out for thin areas on the trail where the runoff has eroded the snow under the path.. you could step into a deep hole. The low clouds kept the full view of pilchuck obscured and over half the lake is still covered by ice and snow. The face of Pilchuck had many little runoff 'waterfalls' cascading down towards the lake. It was a nice tranquil hike in the rain... I passed a total of 4 groups on my way in and 2 heading out.