Since moving to Washington, family and friends have the same questions with dreamy eyes, and anticipation.
"Whats it like?"
"Does it rain a lot? "
"Does everyone hike?"
"How's the coffee?"
Such questions are, within context, normal for any location, but Washington holds a certain mysticism that intrigues people. The unfortunate reality of time and exposure is it a brings certain dullness to anything that it lays its hands on. Do you remember that feeling of moving to a new apartment or a new job? The lights are bright, colors pop and the sounds of the environment are all registered as exciting new experiences. Then, with time, these colors and sounds start to fade into the background as daily life takes over. It's a little sad if you think about it for too long.
It wasn't until the plane ride from the San Antonio Coffee Festival did the full realization of the intrigue take hold. At a certain part of the flight the mountains come into view, like a barrier of entry. At first, just a one or two come into view, but soon it's all you see. After an hour or so, it feels like the plane takes a sharp left and then you see Seattle. Although it may seem anti-climatic, the isolation from other states feels tangible giving way to the thought, "We're all just hiding in the mountains."
About an hour and half northeast of Seattle, in the North Cascades is a hike called Lake 22. To this day no one knows for sure how it got its name adding the romanticism of it all. Its accessibility and relatively beginner friendliness makes it one of the staple hikes in the area. On a weekend with good weather you can expect the parking lot to be full all day, so go on a week day or be prepared to show up early in spring and summer.
The hike starts very easy and light as the trail and trees guide you from one small body of water to the next, filling the air with mist and drowning out the sounds of the nearby road. For those allured off trail, there's a captivating waterfall that would act as the conclusion to most hikes, but for Lake 22 is only the beginning.
As you continue on trail and gain elevation there's a break in the trees where the adjacent mountains come into view. Don't be surprised if a child-like wonder takes over while stopping over and over to see the mountains from a slightly different angle as you climb switchbacks to your final destination.
Entering backing into the trees, there are more streams of heavy flowing water and at this point you might start asking yourself, "when are we going to get there?"
and then you make a left turn...
The summit of Lake 22 is captivating with sounds of small avalanches in the snow seasons, and trickling water filling the peaceful quiet air. In the warmer months you'll see hikers swimming and basking in the sunlight. It's the perfect spot for a light snack and of course, a cup of coffee.
Lake 22 is the perfect hike to take a beginner, a date, or a short solo trip. Its accessibility, relative ease and beautiful scenery spark the curiosity of potential adventurers asking themselves,"What else is out there?"
It's the kind of hike that makes you realize why you're in Washington in the first place. With newer hikers we've seen time and time again how the drive back to 'civilization' is quiet. They simply look out the window and take in all the little details while dealing with the conflicting feeling of returning back to 'reality.' Then the lightbulb goes off, as they realize all the colors are back and everything looks just a little bit brighter.
The feeling you've been looking for isn't on your screen, but in the mountains and in your cup.
It is our hope that with our coffee you can bring the mountains home as you go on trail and make memories that feel as if they were Foretold.
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