Heather Lake is one of the most popular family hikes off the Mountain Loop Highway, but with rocky terrain and more than 1,200 feet of elevation gain, it’s not necessarily an easy outing for little legs. Here’s how the trail went with my 4½-year-old daughter, including what surprised us, what I’d pack again, and whether we’d recommend it for other families.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation: 1,207 feet
- Best for: Families with experienced young hikers (around age 5+)
- Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Our Experience
We hiked the Heather Lake Trail in early June while spring wildflowers were still blooming. We left the Redmond area around 10 a.m. on a Saturday, and the drive along the Mountain Loop Highway ended up being part of the adventure. Bright purple foxgloves lined the roadside for miles, making the route almost as memorable as the hike itself.
Before heading to the trailhead, we stopped at the Verlot Public Service Center to use the restrooms and purchase our America the Beautiful Pass. It’s the last good stop before the trailhead, and one I’d definitely recommend taking advantage of.
We arrived around noon, and the parking lot was already overflowing. After loading up on sunscreen and bug spray (both were definitely needed), we started hiking around 12:30 p.m. We also packed bear spray since it was still spring.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
What the Trail is Like
The trail begins on the left side of the parking lot, with a gravel path and several newly built wooden staircases, renovated by the USDA in 2023. My daughter immediately started counting every step.
From there, the trail winds through beautiful old-growth forest, so it stays cool and shaded even on warmer days. After the first few hundred yards, the climb begins. Expect plenty of rocks, exposed tree roots that double as natural steps, and several stream crossings (waterproof hiking shoes with good traction are worth wearing for both adults and kids).
About halfway to the lake, the trail becomes more adventurous. Large wet boulders, exposed roots, and muddy stretches require a little more attention, especially with younger hikers. As you get closer to the lake, boardwalks cross marshy wetlands filled with skunk cabbage and other interesting plants, making this section especially fun for curious kids.
The Payoff
It took us about 2.5 hours to reach Heather Lake, including plenty of snack and play breaks. The reward was absolutely worth it.
We cooled off by dipping our feet into the freezing alpine water while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Pilchuck towering behind the lake. The water was icy, but our preschooler didn’t seem to care. She happily skipped rocks and enjoyed the lollipop she had packed specifically for lakeside snack time. If your family still has energy left, there’s an additional 0.7-mile trail that loops around the lake for even more scenic views.
We spent about 45 minutes relaxing before heading back down. My personal hiking tradition is packing hot ginger chai to enjoy with a great view. There’s just something about sipping warm tea beside an alpine lake that makes the effort feel even more worthwhile.
One thing that made this hike especially enjoyable was going with another family. The girls entertained each other the entire way, making up “Frozen” and “Rapunzel” stories while hiking. Having another child along made the miles pass much more quickly — and required surprisingly little parental entertainment.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
The Hike Back
The return hike took us carefully back over the same roots and boulders. Going downhill required just as much attention as the climb up. After reaching the trailhead around 5 p.m., we stopped back at the Verlot Public Service Center for a picnic dinner. The large grassy lawn and picnic tables made it the perfect place for the kids to run around before the drive home.
Parent Tips
- Stop at the Verlot Public Service Center before heading to the trailhead. It’s the last place for restrooms and parking permits.
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen, especially during summer.
- Waterproof hiking shoes with good traction are highly recommended.
- Pack extra clothes and socks if your kids plan to play at the lake.
- There is no cell service after Verlot, so plan accordingly if you’re meeting friends.
- A regular passenger car can usually handle the gravel road to the trailhead.
- Pack snacks — or, if you’re like me, hot chai — for the lakeside.
- If your child is already comfortable hiking several miles, this trail is very doable. Hiking with another family made the experience much more fun for our preschoolers.
