Get ringside view of Mount Pilchuck from Heather Lake

Location: Verlot, Snohomish County.

Length: Four miles round-trip to lake; .8-mile trail around lake (currently blocked on the far side due to blowdowns per note at trailhead kiosk).

Level of difficulty: Moderately difficult dirt/gravel trail; many rocks and roots, so good footwear recommended; mucky in parts due to small streams crossing trail.

Setting: This popular hike climbs to a glacier-carved amphitheater (cirque) scooped out from the face of looming Mount Pilchuck with lovely Heather Lake at the base. On a recent visit, thin waterfalls still trailed audibly down the mountain wall, and small ice fields remained on the far side of the lake (there were also a lot of sometimes-biting flies). This trail is a nice one through a second-growth forest, though rather uneventful until you reach the stupendous view at the lake. About 20 minutes from the lake is a small cascade at a stream crossing that makes a good rest stop during hot weather (slight breeze blowing off the water).

Highlights: The logged cedar stumps that dot the forest here are enormous, and still clearly show springboard notches from boards set into the trunk for loggers to stand on as they sawed. In places off the lakeside trail are campsites where you can wade or swim in the lake (lots of rocks and woody debris visible in the water — I wished I'd brought water shoes).

Facilities: Vault toilet at trailhead.

Restrictions: Leash law in effect. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead (you can buy one at the Verlot ranger station; $5 per day or $30 per year).

Directions: From Granite Falls east of Everett, head east 12 miles on the Mountain Loop Highway and turn right on the Mount Pilchuck access road (1 mile past the Verlot ranger station). Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot.

For more information: 800-627-0062 or 360-691-7791 (Verlot ranger station), or see www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/hiking.shtml.