The Evergreen State is full of trails that are safe and beautiful to hike (almost) all year long. Granite Falls is a tiny town in Snohomish County that’s a great jumping-off point for the tranquil, hidden Heather Lake Trail. And this is the perfect time of year to enjoy some peace and quiet here.

The Heather Lake Trail is located on the northeastern slope of Mount Pilchuck, near Mount Pilchuck State Park.
Karen Wallace / alltrails.com
To reach it, you'll take Highway 92 through Granite Falls and turn left on the Mountain Loop. You'll need a Northwest Forest Pass for the hike, which you can get at the Verlot Ranger Station. The road to the trailhead is full of potholes, so keep that in mind.
The Heather Lake Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike, and it's ranked as moderate.
Karen Wallace / alltrails.com
It tends to start snowing by mid-November here, so make sure to bring appropriate boots and gear.
The trail takes you through old second growth forest on a series of switchbacks as soon as you leave the parking lot.
Karen Wallace / alltrails.com
As you climb through the woods, you'll spot rotting stumps with springboard notches on the side. Those were placed in tree trunks for the loggers of the past to stand on as they worked.

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At this point, the path reaches an old logging road and follows it for a short distance before it begins to climb again.
Alex Hernandez / alltrails.com
It gets somewhat rocky here, and it's almost always wet and a little slippery.
Just over two miles in, you'll reach Heather Lake.
Alex Hernandez / alltrails.com
The trail follows the shores, so you'll get all kinds of stunning views.
It's hard to say when this lake is at its most beautiful.
Alejandra Sevilla Terán / alltrails.com
Heather Lake is truly a hidden gem.
You'll head back the way you came, but don't expect a tedious experience -- the scenery here is quite diverse.
Dave Webster / alltrails.com
This hike is anything but dull.

Have you ever heard of this picturesque nature hike? No matter how long you call Washington home, there’s always a new spot to discover.

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Heather Lake Trail, Granite Falls, WA 98252, USA