Hiking Lake 22 (Verlot, Washington)

Friends! How are we doing? The weekend before last, I was able to sneak out of the city for a hike. I got an early start and picked up a girlfriend of mine at 7am! We then headed out toward Granite Falls for what was surely going to be a grand adventure. This post is going to be all about Hiking Lake 22! I’m excited to share, let’s get into it!

So, two weeks ago I was on TikTok just scrolling. The algorithm has clearly found my love for adventure and travel because I get shown some of the most beautiful videos of nature. While scrolling, I was shown a video from Lake 22 and saw the hashtags #WashingtonCheck #pacificnorthwest #Lake22 and I had to look it up.

Turns out, Lake 22 is only about an hour drive from downtown Seattle. The perfect little day adventure. However, before you just jump into the car, let’s chat about a few things you should do before your drive.

Table of Contents

Weather

Even though I checked the weather three days before and then the day before, it still changed on us. It was pouring rain for 3/4 of the hike. Luckily we read the reviews the day before and prepared ourselves with snow boots because there was still snow in the top.

Review the Trail

This hike is about 6 miles to the lake and back. You can go around the lake for an additional mile. It’s a pretty high elevation hike so if you’re a beginner, you’re gonna want to take your time. It took us 3 hours to hike the whole trail and that included stopping for two water breaks and to take some scenic photos.

I use the alltrails (which is an app) and also just google the trail for the wta page.

Proper Shoes (and socks)

I highly suggest getting hiking boots for this trail. This is primarily because the first 1/4 of the hike is woods and the rest is almost all rocks. Sharp and edgy rocks. If you have very weak ankles, you might want to consider an ankle brace or your walking sticks. I, personally, didn’t wear high socks and I really wish I had. My ankle socks kept falling off! Haha.

Side bar – My boots are by this amazing Canadian company called Kamik. There’s a minimum of 3 water bottles in each shoe. Mine are closest to the Sienna Mid in plaid. (Not sponsored, just genuine love)

Plan Early

My last piece of advice is to get there early. Like, the earlier the better, The lot was almost completely full by the time we got there and there were not a lot of people on the trail. Many turned around because of the rain but my friend and I are true PNW girls. Rain doesn’t hurt us. 😉

Be Covid Respectful

Despite covid, everyone is extremely respectful of one another: saying ‘hello’ and turning our faces away from those not wearing masks. I would say 50% of hikers were wearing masks and 30% had an infinity headband, like this organic cotton one, to pull up over their nose and mouth while walking past others.

This was a fantastic little get away, guys. I’d never been so happy to actually get out of Seattle. Hiking is always a good idea, even if you get soaked. My friend and I laughed so hard at just how determined we were to complete this hike! The fresh air and activity is really important during this time for physical and mental health.

I’d love to hear if you’ve been! Drop a comment below with how your experience was.

Stay happy, healthy and safe our there, friends!

Alli

Thanks for reading my Hiking Lake 22 post! Here are a few others you might enjoy:

Westport, WA Getaway – if you’re looking for a quick trip east of Seattle for a weekend.
5 Free Ways to Workout at Home – if you can’t get away from the city just yet.
DIY moisturizing Oatmeal & Honey Mask – when you want to wash the dirt off from your hike.