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Hike to Barclay Lake

Gold Bar, Washington

4.4/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

4.4 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Gabbert

With a fantastic effort to payout ratio, this minimal elevation hike 90 minutes outside of Seattle is the ideal hike for beginners, families or those looking for a quick morning or afternoon jaunt. 

With less than 500 feet of total elevation and 4.4 miles of round trip hiking, the Barclay Lake trail is a perfect hike for beginners, families, or those looking for a quick morning or afternoon jaunt. Yet dont let the simplicity of the hike fool you. The end result of the hike is nothing short of amazing. At 6,129 ft in elevation (2444 ft in prominence), Baring Mountain is an awe-inspiring, surreal view as you sit on the banks of the peaceful Barclay Lake. 

From Seattle the trailhead is only 63 miles away. Plan for the drive to take approximately 90 minutes. Start by taking Hwy 405 N, merge onto WA-522 E at exit 23, and then to US-2 E (aka Stephens Pass Hwy) toward Wenatchee . You'll travel 27 miles on US-2 E until you reach the town of Baring at which you'll take a left onto 635th Pl NE. The road is paved for only the first 1/4 after which it turns to gravel. In the warmer months, its accessible by basically any vehicle so 4 wheel drive isn't necessary. The drive along the gravel road is 4 miles and should take 15-20 minutes.

The parking lot can only fit about 10-14 vehicles so depending on when you arrive you may need to park a bit further from the trailhead.  Once on the trailhead the path is straightforward. There are a fair amount of exposed roots along the entire path so watch your footing but the trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate. A majority of the hike travels along Barclay Creek of which you'll cross about 1/2  way into the hike. Once at the lake, travel along its banks looking for the best place to set up shop and take it all in. 

Note that there are some great campsites nestled into the shores of Barclay Lake along with some good fishing opportunities there as well. Bring the tent and/or fishing pole if desired. 

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Features

Snowboarding
Camping
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Swimming
Backpacking
Hiking
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Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
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Lake
Scenic

Hike to Barclay Lake Reviews

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.

This is a great trail for an easy hike with plenty of water access for your dogs, just be careful when the river is high - it moves quick! We really liked how the trail changed too, from a quiet dense dark stump filled forest - to rushing water - to open views of the huge rock face - to a quiet peaceful lake.

The lake is absolutely beautiful this time of year (early Spring) with very few people camping around the lake. Currently the trail is covered in blow-downs from some of the winter wind storms we have had. Until the trail is clear, be prepared to climb up and over trees for about a mile after you reach the bridge across the river!

It felt like a lovely stroll through the woods. Not very crowded so at the lake I felt as if I was the only person there. Photographs really can't do it justice. Would definitely come back here in the summer for swimming!

Great spot for a short hike!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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