The hiking season has already begun, but there is still time to check out some of these gorgeous destinations without too many other people to keep you company!
Annette Lake (on Snoqualmie Pass) – A beautiful waterfall fills this lake on its eastern boundary, and its moderate-level trail makes this a great first camping or hiking experience (campsites are few and clustered, so don’t expect complete seclusion in the summer/fall season). Its location between Silver Peak and Abiel Peak guarantees good mountain views.
Hike to get there: 7.5 miles round trip with a 1700 foot elevation gain.
http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?3+tg+fetch+english+1000
Foss Lakes (on Stevens Pass) – This trail will bring you to a variety of beautiful lakes, including Trout Lake at 1.5 miles, Malachite Lake at around 4 miles, Copper Lake at around 5 miles, and Big Heart Lake at the end of the trail (7 miles from the trailhead). Plan a backpacking journey and take advantage of the natural bounty of the area.
Hike to get there: 8 miles round trip to Malachite Lake with a 2,400 foot elevation gain. 14 miles round trip to Big Heart Lake with a 2,856 foot elevation gain.
http://www.nwsource.com/travel/scr/tf_story.cfm?st=695527
Barclay Lake (in the Glacier Peak Region) – A great hike for kids, with boardwalks spanning the more difficult area and mixed forest surrounding the lake that includes some remaining old growth. There are campsites at the lake for those who want to linger and spend an evening enjoying the scenery.
Hike to get there: 4.4 miles round trip with a 283 foot elevation gain
http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?3+tg+fetch+english+1002
Lake 22 (in the Glacier Peak Region, near Mt. Pilchuck) – Thanks to protective measures, this hike features far more old growth forest than others in the area. Backing the lake is a sheer mountain wall, and views along the trail will also make you want to bring your camera along.
Hike to get there: 5 miles round trip with a 1316 foot elevation gain
http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?3+tg+fetch+english+1059
Snow Lake/Gem Lake (on Snoqualmie Pass) – At over a mile long, Snow Lake is one of the largest alpine lakes in the region. Unfortunately, its beauty and accessibility has also made it one of the most popular. To avoid the crowds and see even more, continue up the trail another 1.5 miles to Gem Lake and experience some serenity and leave the crowds behind.
Hike to get there: 8 miles round trip with a 1600 foot elevation gain
http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?3+tg+fetch+english+1096
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