Lake 22 a North Cascades Hike. Granite Falls, Washington

in #photography6 years ago

When looking for something to post today, I came across ​photos​ of a hike that I went on this summer. The Hike is called Lake 22, and the trailhead is located about an hour and a half north of Seattle, WA burrowed in Mt. Baker National Forest. There are breathtaking views as you navigate up through a mountain rainforest filled with hemlock and old growth red cedar​. There are also a couple waterfalls to stop at along the way.

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The hike is only 5.4 miles​ round trip, so to me,​ it wasn't overly strenuous and just long enough for a good day hike. There are lots of stops along the way and a few complete changes of scenery to keep it interesting. However, there is a 1350 foot change in elevation in just 2.5 miles, so the trail does get a bit steep at some points. I met a few people on the trail that were ready to turn around and give up once the going got tough. This was never an option for me as I knew that there was a beautiful lake at the top of the mountain and I was determined to see it.

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Here are a couple of the waterfalls along the way, as the power of the melting snow makes its way down the mountain.

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The forest opens up at one point allowing you to get a good view of the Cascade mountains in the distance.

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Once at the top you will find a peaceful lake nestled​ between the shoulders of a mountain. These pictures​ were taken at the end of June and there is still snow resting along the shoreline of the gigantic​ rock formation.

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There is also a trail that goes around the circumference of the lake, filled with ferns and cedar trees. It adds a bit of mileage​ to the hike, but it is definitely worth it to see all of the beautiful colors.

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Thank you for coming along this hike with me, if you are ever in the area I highly recommended you check out this trail. In the winter season the trail is still open, however,​ most people opt to bring snowshoes instead of boots.

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-steemengines

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WOW! Now that is jaw droppingly stunning! Those cliffs are incredible, so sheer! Amazing pictures, the waterfalls look huge - what an epic national park. North America has some outstanding national parks, some of the best in the world. You get a feel for just how huge and powerful nature is! Loving these photos!

Thanks man, glad that you liked it. I enjoyed the hike so much that I actually hiked it back to back within a couple of days. Happy Birthday btw hope you had a good birthday weekend!

Ah thank you so much 😀🌅

Wow this looks like my sort of hike!!! What fabulous scenery. I can just feel that beautiful clean air on my face and smell the scent of the trees. that water looks so good to jump into regardless of the snow in the distance, I might just I’ll be tempted, just to remind myself how good it feels to be alive! following you for more such inspiration!🦋🌈🌴💛🍀

So peaceful up there, it was a great place for rejuvenation. Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog! :)

I bet is was super peaceful. These times are so intrinsically important in our lives. The USA has so many extraordinarily beautiful landscapes though I have only visited a few areas there so far, I am sure I will be back to explore more in the coming years. Thanks for sharing such fabulous landscapes that are so inspirational. 🦋🌴💛🌈🍀

The waterfall looks stunning. All the pictures look lovely though

Thank you :) It was a great hike.

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