7-18-15
With
a 90 degree high temperature and work to get done at home, I needed an
early start for a hike. With that in mind I was out the door by 6:20
am. I cruised up I-5 and headed east to Granite Falls and on to Verlot.
I reached the Lake 22 parking lot at 7:25 am. There were seven or eight
cars in the lot. I was on the trail by 7:36 am. It was still fairly
cool though not sweat free. At the bridge the water level was as low as
I have seen. The 2.7 mile trail to the lake goes fast. I passed two
groups heading up. Both were near or on the rocky section. Not too much
haze this early when looking out to peaks to the north.
Near the lake I met two guys already heading down. I reached the shore at 8:43 am. I chose to hike counter clockwise around the lake. Sunshine on the way out and shade the second half. There are still some wildflowers in bloom. Pink Lewis monkey flower and fireweed being the most plentiful. Patches of pearly everlasting too. The first thing that caught my eye was at the far end of the lake. Tucked up against the near vertical back wall was... nothing. Not a drop of snow. What I jokingly call the "Twenty Two Glacier" is no more. Even in early fall I have always seen the snow. This hot summer has melted it all by early July.
At the backside of the lake I photographed a snowy peak to the north. When zoomed in it was clearly Three Fingers with the lookout visible. I don't recall ever noticing that before. I saw one tent right by the shore. A double no no. No camping at the lake and way too close as well. First time I've seen that at Lake 22. Nice reflections in the lake. Almost no wind. Good for photos not so good if you like a breeze. I took my time hiking around the lake. It was 9:55 am when I headed down.
On the way up I passed those four hikers going up the the two coming down. On the way down I passed 229 folks hiking up. In sixty minutes. Considering the size of the parking lot that is amazing. Lots of folks were happy to be out. Some were not so happy with the 80+ degrees on the open rocky section so early. Another benefit or an early start. Driving out of the lot there were the usual cars parked on both sides. At the highway I noticed portable signs blocking parking to the east. As I drove by the first creek there is a wide spot that was full of cars. Back at my car at 10:55 am and home by noon. Not bad at all. I beat the heat and the crowds. A fun morning hike.
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Trips - 2015
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Near the lake I met two guys already heading down. I reached the shore at 8:43 am. I chose to hike counter clockwise around the lake. Sunshine on the way out and shade the second half. There are still some wildflowers in bloom. Pink Lewis monkey flower and fireweed being the most plentiful. Patches of pearly everlasting too. The first thing that caught my eye was at the far end of the lake. Tucked up against the near vertical back wall was... nothing. Not a drop of snow. What I jokingly call the "Twenty Two Glacier" is no more. Even in early fall I have always seen the snow. This hot summer has melted it all by early July.
At the backside of the lake I photographed a snowy peak to the north. When zoomed in it was clearly Three Fingers with the lookout visible. I don't recall ever noticing that before. I saw one tent right by the shore. A double no no. No camping at the lake and way too close as well. First time I've seen that at Lake 22. Nice reflections in the lake. Almost no wind. Good for photos not so good if you like a breeze. I took my time hiking around the lake. It was 9:55 am when I headed down.
On the way up I passed those four hikers going up the the two coming down. On the way down I passed 229 folks hiking up. In sixty minutes. Considering the size of the parking lot that is amazing. Lots of folks were happy to be out. Some were not so happy with the 80+ degrees on the open rocky section so early. Another benefit or an early start. Driving out of the lot there were the usual cars parked on both sides. At the highway I noticed portable signs blocking parking to the east. As I drove by the first creek there is a wide spot that was full of cars. Back at my car at 10:55 am and home by noon. Not bad at all. I beat the heat and the crowds. A fun morning hike.
 Twenty Two Creek |
 Up The Steps |
 Three Fingers |
 Outlet Trickle |
 Lake 22 |
 Fireweed |
 Vertical Wall |
 Green Water? |
 Monkey Flower |
 Red Berries |
 Fireweed Patch |
 Reflection |
 Bridge |
 Bright Sunlight |
 Three Fingers II |
 Lit Up Shore |
 Very Steep |
 Even More Fireweed |
 Camping? |
 On The Boardwalk |
 Another Reflection |
 Cool Shade |
 Time To Head Down |
 Culvert Fail |
Trips - 2015
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