The subalpine forests and meadows are as much the attractions as the clear mountain lake on the four-mile round-trip hike to Heather Lake. Because of its easy access, Heather Lake is a very popular day-hiking spot on summer weekends.

To reach the trailhead, take Forest Road 42 for 1.5 miles, then hike up an old logging road before reaching the forest and then open meadows. Allow three hours; elevation gain is 1,100 feet.

Late spring is a good time to hike the 2.7 miles to Lake 22 (trail No. 702), a scenic alpine lake whose ho-hum name doesn’t do it justice. When you get to the lake you’re likely to be greeted by waterfalls and mini avalanches crashing off the cliff walls butting up to the lake (but safely away from the trail).

The trail starts two miles east of the Verlot Ranger Station, passing through an old-growth western red cedar forest on the way to the mountain lake. Allow four hours for the 1,400-foot elevation gain; no camping is allowed in the area.