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Seattle Trails

Seattle, WA: Heather Lake

Explore 4.4 miles through old growth timber to a glacier-carved lake on this family-friendly hike in the Cascade Mountains.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.5

Waypoints

HLT001

Location: 48.0828018188477, -121.775199890137

Head SW from Heather Lake parking lot

HLT002

Location: 48.0818901062012, -121.777381896973

Challenge: Let kids count the rings on the gigantic Western red cedar stump

HLT003

Location: 48.0824737548828, -121.781776428223

Bear R @ Y with old logging road

HLT004

Location: 48.0816535949707, -121.784225463867

Bear L @ Y with unmaintained trail, keeping SW on main trail

HLT005

Location: 48.080265045166, -121.784591674805

Sharp R, then switchback along Heather Creek

HLT006

Location: 48.0786514282227, -121.785125732422

Ancient Douglas fir looms over trail
ID tip: The “fruit” of a Douglas fir is a smooth tan cone with three distinct, pointy triangular seeds

HLT007

Location: 48.0763664245606, -121.786010742188

Rocky waterfall

HLT008

Location: 48.0705375671387, -121.784461975098

Look S: Boulder field stretches below the craggy peak of Mt. Pilchuck (5,340 ft.)

HLT009

Location: 48.0701332092285, -121.783889770508

Trail veers L around W side of a glacial lake

HLT010

Location: 48.0676956176758, -121.785385131836

Crystal blue waters of Heather Lake (2,450 ft.); eat your sandwiches, then hold a rock-skipping contest before returning back to car

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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