The winter of 2002 was my first time snow shoeing and quite possibly the first official 4J Production (the hiking club consisting of Jayson, Jessica, John, and Jacob). For the trip, we drove up to Lake 22, which was then a short 5 mile hike, but has since been expanded with a trail going around the Lake.
Even long ago, I remember plenty of details about this particular hike. Normally there is an exposed, steep hillside that must be tackled before you get to the lake. However, in the snow all existence of any trails had long been covered. So we did what any not-smart folk would do - climbed straight up. While it added tremendously to the difficulty, we would unknowingly create one of the coolest, longest glissade paths I've yet to experience. Of course, when we would return in the spring we would realize that our glissade took us over huge boulders and rocks. If I remember correctly, John would bruise his tailbone on the trip down.
Its hard to believe that we used to drive near 4 hours total to hike for just 2, but as short as it is Lake 22 will always hold fond memories for me. The best time to hike Lake 22 is in the late thaw. The lake is surrounded by steep rock formations and you'd be hard pressed to find a cooler place to be than sitting there, hearing and watching the boom of avalanches all around you while you sit safely eating your lunch.
Comments