Fall color quest finds brilliant rewards along Merritt Lake trail

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October 17, 1996

Map

Fall color quest finds brilliant rewards along Merritt Lake trail

By KAREN SYKES
SPECIAL TO THE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Merritt Lake is one of the essential hikes in the Cascade Mountains if you are in the mood for fall color, or that transitional season between late fall and early winter when there is morning ice on the lake and a hint of snow in the breeze.

Even the drive on Highway 2 to the trailhead is part of the fall color experience, especially near the top of Stevens Pass and on the eastern descent toward Leavenworth. You might not even make it to the trailhead if the day is golden and you have a camera.

If you do make it to the trailhead, you will be rewarded. The trail is moderately steep but in good condition and makes for easy walking. In October, the Solomon's Seal turns yellow and produces bright red berries, and the swirling leaves of the False Hellebore looks like tattered silk. Everywhere you look you will see color, in addition to monster-size Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. Later in the season, the vibrant landscape turns muted and tawny.

There are enticing glimpses through the trees toward Nason Ridge, and if you look very closely you can even get a view of the often-staffed Alpine fire lookout, almost consumed by the 1995 wildfires and a worthy goal itself for a strong hiker. Merritt Lake is ideal for a day's outing or overnight backpack and is fine for children.

There are good campsites at the lake, and a privy in a pristine setting. The lake is a large tarn bordered by subalpine forest beneath 6,000-foot peaks. The lake is known by fishermen as well as hikers. A rough trail goes around part of the lake; near the outlet stream, tall grasses wave in a breeze.

Enjoy a lazy lunch on the boulders or explore the trail around the lake. The Nason Creek area is unprotected at present and some parts of Nason Ridge have already been logged. Help keep what is left picture-perfect by carrying out your trash and not leaving any trace of your visit.

Wear brightly colored clothing at this time of year, since hunting seasons are open and the region is popular among hunters.

Getting there
Drive 11 miles east from Steven Pass on Highway 2. Near milepost 76, turn left onto the Merritt Lake Road (Forest Road 657) -- the sign is on your right. Drive about 1.5 miles to the road end and the trailhead, elevation 3,000 feet.

Trail detail
The trail climbs steadily through a mix of fir, pine and vine maple and at about two miles crosses a boulder field, which provides a viewpoint and a nice spot for a water break. At 2-1/2 miles you'll reach a junction with the Nason Ridge Trail. If you are a party of strong hikers, you might want to leave a car at the Rock Mountain trailhead a couple miles closer to the pass, hike to Rock Lake and then exit that route.

If you aren't that ambitious, it's only another easy half-mile to Merritt Lake, elevation 5,000 feet. You can also hike down to Lost Lake, or out along the ridge toward Alpine Lookout.

For Lost Lake, follow the Nason Ridge trail up and away from Merritt Lake to a junction at one-half mile. Go left for the Lost Lake trail (probably unmarked), which climbs to a pass and then descends in an unpleasant manner through a wet and treacherous draw.

Lost Lake is probably not worth the effort for the average hiker and is certainly not suitable for most children. There are campsites at Lost, used mostly by rugged fishermen accustomed to wet and slippery terrain.

For the easier and more scenic option, turn right at the junction and ramble along Nason Ridge toward the lookout as far as time and energy permit. Experienced mountaineers can climb Mount Howard, the high point of the ridge, or Mastiff Peaks from Lost Lake.

Trail data
Round-trip to Merritt Lake is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The best time is from late June through October. For berries, go in September. For fall color, go now. For more information, see "100 Hikes in Washington's Glacier Peak Region," by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers, $14.95).