Heather Lake, WA

The view at the top of this hike was entirely worth the trail which had confused itself for a creekbed. Emerging out of the forest and into the open air surrounding the lake felt something like entering the world of Narnia -- or perhaps a snowglobe, kept in a silent stillness of white. As we wandered amidst the snow engulfed landscape, it rapidly faded into nighttime. We hurriedly descended the trail amidst the shadowy forest, and thanks to some kind hikers who came back to accompany us down, we arrived at our car shortly thereafter. Our souvenirs include some snowy photographs, a few pairs of damp socks, and a lesson learned to leave for hikes earlier in the day (or at least bring along a flashlight).