Winter Wonderland

• GPS file here (or click above for more hike details and other file types)

The quiet of winter is so peaceful

We were missing our Midwest snow fall, so we set out to find snow near us! We packed our warmest gear and headed North to Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the Lake 22 trailhead. The hike was about a 6.5 mile out and back, with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. This was a heavily trafficked trail, even with the narrow snow-shoe paved trails!

We made it to the top!

Along the trail there are a few waterfalls to see, one with a bridge over it.  Waterfalls are always beautiful to see, but in the winter they have a magical feel with the dark water starkly contrasting with the bright snow that the water cuts through.

Water under the bridge

We wanted to find snow, and boy did we ever! There was lots of snow on the ground, on the trees, and still falling. When we began hiking it was rainy and almost sleeting. Toward the top of the mountain it turned into a whiteout with large snow flakes. We couldn’t see much of the lake due to it being snow covered and our line of sight being hindered by snow falling. We stopped here to enjoy our peanut butter jelly sandwiches, and heard a small avalanche across the basin on the opposite side of the lake that sounded like a huge thunderstorm rolling in! Being cautious of potential avalanches, we attempted to walk around the lake, but the snow-shoed trail ended after just a few 100 yards around. We stepped off the trail to let some people pass and I sunk in up to my shoulders! Nick had to give me a little tug to get me out…We decided the next adventure would involve snow-shoeing!

Walking into the abyss

We checked the time and it was a little after 3, meaning we only had about an hour till sunset, so we hit the trail back down. By this time the snow had cleared up quite a bit, and we were able to see just a bit past the treeline. (For an even snowier hike read Wonky Weekend).

Taking in the extended view!

The way back was a lot of downhill, and proved quite slick for me. Having a prosthetic ankle that doesn’t bend makes it difficult to plant your foot, and putting ice beneath that foot can prove quite taxing. I know that a lot of amputees have anxiety even walking outside in this weather in fear of  slipping, and it pains me to think it keeps them inside and away from such beautiful sights we were able to experience only by hiking to.

Happy Trails

Our gloves and hats were soaked by the end of the hike. We made it out just in time beating the setting sun, and were very glad to have 4-wheel drive in order to get out of the slushy lot. Being out there with no cell service does remind you to always hike prepared. Make sure you tell someone where you plan to hike that day, bring lots of water, and keep some warm blankets handy in case you have to camp out for the night.

Be prepared for the conditions

On our way back we decided to stop for hot chocolate…or so we thought. I googled a coffee shop, Proper Joe’s Coffee House, and we set our sights toward some hot cocoa. Entering the quaint town of Snohomish, we decided to take a look around. They had all sorts of bars, restaurants, and shops. We suddenly seriously wanted some soup. We stopped in an English soccer pub, Piccadilly Circus. We ordered crab bisque to fulfill our soup desires, but also had to order Bangers & Mash because, well, what else can you get when you have the option?