Lake 22 is about 55–60 miles north of Seattle, reachable in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car via I-5 North → WA-92 East → Mountain Loop Highway. You’ll need a Recreation Pass / Northwest Forest Pass for parking. Expect a moderate 5.4-mile round-trip hike, gaining about 1,350 feet elevation, with trailhead access off Mountain Loop Highway in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Travel from Seattle to Lake 22 in 2025-2026. Learn best routes, driving + access tips, trailhead info, hiking difficulty, and permits for this scenic Washington hike.
Where Lake 22 Is
Lake 22 (also called Lake Twenty-Two) is located in Snohomish County, Washington, within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The trail lies along the Mountain Loop Highway, east of Granite Falls. It’s part of a lush rainforest and mountainous area, famous for its old-growth forests, creek crossings, and alpine lake views under Mount Pilchuck’s face.
- Coordinates approx. 48.0770, -121.7457
- Trailhead is accessed off Mountain Loop Highway, inside the National Forest boundary.
- The nearest town is Granite Falls which serves as the last major stop for supplies or food before heading in.
Preparing for the Hike: Distance, Difficulty, and Seasons
The hike to Lake 22 is classified as moderate, with a mix of forest, creek crossings, talus slopes, and a final ascent before reaching the lake. The round-trip distance without circling the lake is about 5.4 miles, rising to ~6.8 miles if you walk around the lake’s loop. Elevation gain is roughly 1,350–1,400 feet.
- Best hiking months: late spring to early fall (June through September) when snow has melted and trail is safer.
- Winter / early spring: possible snow, icy conditions, avalanche risk in certain sections; special gear like microspikes may be needed.
- Visitor tips: start early to avoid crowds, bring plenty of water, snacks, good hiking boots, and rain gear due to wet forest terrain.
Route from Seattle to Lake 22 Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead is straightforward if you follow the right highways and forest roads. The drive itself is scenic and takes you through varied terrain, so being ready for changing weather and road conditions helps.
- From Seattle, take I-5 North toward Everett.
- Take Exit 194 onto US-2 East, then follow exit 204 briefly toward Lake Stevens via Highway 204 → then WA-9 → WA-92 East toward Granite Falls.
- In Granite Falls, continue onto Mountain Loop Highway going east; after about ~13 miles, you’ll approach the Verlot Public Service Center, then ~2 more miles to the Lake 22 trailhead on the right.
Permits, Parking, and Access Rules
To hike Lake 22, you’ll need to plan ahead for parking, passes, and possible area closures. The trailhead is popular, so arriving early or choosing a weekday helps.
- You need a Northwest Forest Pass or other valid National Forest Recreation Pass displayed on your vehicle to park at the trailhead.
- Parking lot capacity is limited (about 45-50 cars); no overflow lots; lot fills up especially on weekends and sunny days.
- Trailhead has pit toilets, but potable water is not available at the site; also phone service is unreliable past Granite Falls.
- Note: In 2025, the trailhead/trail may be closed on weekdays from mid-July through October for maintenance work; open weekends during that period.
Estimated Travel Time, Costs, and Best Timing
| From Where | Approx Travel Time | Estimated Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Seattle | 1-1.5 hours | Fuel (~$15-$30) + Forest Pass fee | Depends on traffic and departure time |
| Permit / Pass | N/A | Forest Recreation/Northwest Forest Pass (~$5-$10 / day or annual pass) (US Forest Service) | Needed to park at trailhead |
| Hiking time | 3-4 hours round trip (just to lake) | Minimal if just day hike | Add time if doing full lake loop or photo stops |
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Arrive early (before 8-9 AM) to secure parking, especially on weekends
- Wear waterproof hiking boots due to creek crossings and wet/muddy sections in the forest
- Check weather and trail conditions; snow or avalanche risk remains until mid-summer in some years
- Consider weekdays outside maintenance closure windows for access to entire trail
- Pack essentials: layers, rain jacket, snacks, water, first-aid, GPS + map since phone signal is spotty
FAQs About How to Get to Lake 22 From Seattle
Q1: How long is the Lake 22 trail from Seattle?
About 1-1.5 hours driving from Seattle to the trailhead, plus approximately 3-4 hours round trip hiking to the lake and back (just to the lake).
Q2: Do I need any special permit or pass?
Yes, you need a valid Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent to park at the trailhead. No camping permits are required for day use.
Q3: When is the best time to hike Lake 22?
Late spring through early fall is ideal—when snow has melted, water levels are safe, and the trail is more accessible.
Q4: Is the trail open year-round?
It’s open year-round generally, but note that maintenance closures (especially weekdays) and seasonal hazards (snow/avalanche risk) affect access.
Q5: Can I do the full lake loop?
Yes, when conditions allow; full loop around Lake 22 adds distance (~6.8 miles round trip) and requires trail sections above snow line to be clear.