Seattle, WA: Heather Lake

This 4.4-mile out-and-back on the Heather Lake Trail is perfect for kids who love exploring. You’ll need the Northwest Forest Pass to enter the national forest and park your car.

How to Hike The Heather Lake Trail

Head SW from Heather Lake parking lot

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

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Bear R @ Y with old logging road

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

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Sharp R, then switchback along Heather Creek

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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

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Rocky waterfall

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

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Trail veers L around W side of a glacial lake

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