Stephen Swisher
Just did this hike/camp last weekend and I’m ready to go back. Left early Friday morning and got to the trailhead by 9am which was a good call because this is a popular location and several backpacker/day hikers showed up over the weekend. The trail is beginner all the way until about the last mile and a half or so which has parts that are intermediate (possibly even advanced depending on the weight you’re carrying). There are some great spots in the camping area and I definitely got the best one. By Saturday evening the place was packed so I can’t stress enough to get there early. I took the Upper Elliot on the way there and Lower on the way back. Didn’t notice much difference considering the intermediate section is after the two paths converge. Lake water is refreshing to drink if you have a filtration system (a must). It says there’s a toilet but it’s basically a wooden commode with no privacy, it’s just sitting on a large downed tree. Other than that, I highly recommend this location!
5.0
This hike is somewhere between beginner and intermediate, it is not as easy as most of the reviews would lead you to believe. The other thing I want to stress above all else is that it is not worth doing this hike unless you go very early, during the week and during the off-season. I nicknamed this “Instagram Ledge” because if you dare to go during the warm weather and on a weekend, you might as well be standing in downtown Seattle. It is unfortunate because its a great hike and an amazing view but if you are like me and prefer outdoor adventures as a means to get away from people, this is not the hike for you. Also, if you go during the Spring, bring spikes and trekking poles as it does get pretty slick due to snow on the trail towards the top.
3.0
This is a short, beginner hike that is great for families and dogs. It has a great input:reward ratio, whether you are looking for a short day hike or an overnight camp. The longest part is getting up the gravel road to the trailhead which lies off of Highway 2. I’ve noticed that people are saying this is considered Gold Bar but its not. This is the small town of Baring, named after the mountain you will have amazing views of at the lake. I highly recommend an all-wheel drive, high ground clearance vehicle to get up the road to the trailhead. I also recommend going early, especially if you’re doing it on a weekend as this is quite popular due to its ease. Take a lunch with you and enjoy while taking in the views at the lake bed.
5.0
Just did this hike early this morning. We got to the trailhead early, about 730am because it being summer and a Saturday I was prepared for crowds. It was a good call considering everything I heard about the popularity of this hike was true. We managed to get a parking space and make our up to the trail which is very well maintained all the way throughout. I recommend good, waterproof hiking boots due to streams and small waterfalls running over the trail, but none of them will submerge your feet. The lake is beautiful and there is a trail that continues around the entire lake providing up close views of the northern shoulder of Pilchuck. It was 85 degrees today but there is still some snow up there that is easily passable. Most of it is melted and will be gone within the oncoming weeks. My only real complaint is that there is not really any ideal places to post up to relax or grab a bite other than just sitting on the edge of the wooden walkway. Overall, I recommend the hike but unless it's the rainy or snowshoeing season, stick to the weekdays and no matter what, go early!!
5.0
My wife, 4 yr old son and I just got back from this location 2 days ago. We went in on Friday and stayed till Sunday morning. First things first: I highly, HIGHLY recommend driving a four wheel drive vehicle or at the very least a car that is high off the ground. I did not know very much about how God-awful the road leading up to the trailhead is until I was there. My car made it ok but it was nerve racking and I would never do it again. I would definitely rent or borrow an SUV or appropriate vehicle. This is a busy location on the weekends, especially during the summer, so if you want a good camp site overlooking the lake, get there early!!! The hike from the trailhead to the lake is very accessible and child/pet friendly. Definitely hike up to the upper ridge to get the incredible views of the lake and Mt Rainier. You'll want to go on a clear, sunny day to see everything. Take scent proof bear bags and sling them up away from your camp. Didn't see any bear but can never be too careful. There is no fresh water sources but we used our LifeStraw bottles in the lake and it was great. Water is extremely cold and didn't taste bad at all. We were told there was one toilet but we never saw it so be prepared to squat if necessary. This is an incredible location that doesn't require a difficult hike to access. Highly recommend!
5.0
My wife and I did this hike yesterday morning into the afternoon. Started out about 9am. Made the mistake of going on Father's Day weekend as there were a ton of people. This is a hike I would recommend doing during an early weekday morning, maybe even earlier in the year. I would also stress that this is not exactly a child friendly hike. I did see several kids and many of them seemed to be having a hard time. I have a four year old and would consider taking him on the Falls trail but certainly not the Lake trail. Which brings me to my next point. DO THE FALLS TRAIL FIRST. Trust me, you will not want to do the falls trail after the long and arduous lake trail. As far as recommended gear goes, take a daypack. Plenty of snacks and maybe even a full meal. Lots of water (I used a camelbak) is also recommended. A quality pair of high top hiking boots is a MUST. I'd say roughly 60-75% of the trail is jagged rocks that will wreck your feet and ankles if appropriate shoes are not worn. I also recommend a good set of trekking poles for the descent. The trail is worth every ounce of effort. Beautiful, scenic landscapes, a great view of Mt Index and the gorgeous green waters of Lake Serene make the Lake trail worth it. The falls trail is a must as well! Definitely bring your camera and maybe even a GoPro! One of my favorite hikes I've done thus far!
5.0
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