Final destination makes popular Lake Twentytwo trail worth the effort

Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird

If you’re searching for a perfect day hike for the family, the dog, or even yourself, look no further. The well-maintained trail to Lake Twentytwo is popular for a reason.

In 1947 Lake Twentytwo and 800 acres of nearby pristine forest were set aside as a Research Natural Area to study the effects of man on the environment.

This hike is living proof nature does a better job.

Lake Twentytwo is nestled in a spectacular basin at the base of the north face of Mount Pilchuck near Granite Falls. The lake is more than 50 feet deep and supports a healthy population of trout.

The hike to Lake Twentytwo takes you through a dense forest of western hemlock and silver fir trees. Old growth trees, some measuring 12 feet in diameter, and cascading waterfalls line the trail. The real beauty of the hike isn’t the lake, but the forest you pass through along the way.

The hike traverses Twentytwo Creek as you hike up the trail. The entire trail seems to be a never-ending creek crossing. Water bubbles out of the ground at almost every turn. The hard work of volunteers and the Forest Service have made the creek crossings easy and protected the pristine forest surrounding it.

The trail roundtrip is 5.4 miles and gains and loses 1,350 feet elevation. Normally at this time of year the trail is covered in deep snow, but it’s already melted out all the way to Lake Twentytwo.

When you reach the end of the trail, you can enjoy a hike around the lake or eat a lunch and watch the show. The melting snow on the north face of Mount Pilchuck creates cascading waterfalls that tumble hundreds of feet. Small avalanches can be seen and heard crashing down the mountainside, as well.

The entire trail is relatively easy and can be accomplished in just a few hours. The drive from Joint Base Lewis-McChord is approximately two hours, and the trail head is easy to find. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Getting there: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 11 miles to the Verlot Public Service Center. Proceed two more miles to the trailhead, on your right.