Barclay
Lake
James LaJocies
With the unusual winter weather and the
snow levels nearly gone, the view of the cascades were becoming more
and more inviting. So after putting on the holiday weight, it was time
to loose it. So I decided to step forth onto an easy trail and the
Barclay Lake trail was just the right choice.
This is a nice and easy jaunt for the
family of visiting folks who may prefer their hiking on the easy side
and still enjoy a real mountain experience. The hike starts on a trail
that leads downward as you wind through some secondary and old growth
forest. While you parallel Barclay Creek, moss covered trees and large
ferns line the trail, which also offer several boardwalks to allow
passing over the muddiest areas.
One half mile into the trail, you
will encounter a log bridge which crosses Barclay Creek. After
crossing, bare right and continue hiking upstream. For the next two
miles you will enjoy the deep green forest with patches of sunlight
until you reach the first granite rock slide. From this point through
the slide area, keep your eyes open for the trail.
After crossing the last rock slide
(there are two). the trail soon opens up to stunning views of the west
end of the lake. And if the lake was not enough, then the spectacular
visions of the sheer face of Mount Baring are jaw dropping to say the
least. It is speculated that boulders falling from Mount Baring had
dammed the creek, forming Barclay Lake. Continue following the trail
along the lakeside where you will venture upon some good campsites.
Once you reach the east end of the lake, cross over the inlet creek
onto a soggy sand bar for a great view of the entire lake, picture
worthy for sure. If your timing is right and the sun is setting in the
northwest, the north face of Mount Baring is brightly illuminated bring
the mountain into full relief.
Although Barclay lake was my
destination, the trail does continue upward to Eagle Lake, but it
is not maintained as well as the Barclay Creek trail. It is used mostly
by mountaineers and climbers to access different routes up Mount Baring
or Merchant Peak. But if you are daring enough and willing, Eagle Lake
awaits 1500 feet above.
You will have to find the unmarked
trail at the east end of Barclay Lake, which ascends quickly northward
with out switchbacks. After passing the very small Stone Lake, bare
left and continue through Paradise Meadow. About one and three quarter
miles beyond Barclay Lake is Eagle Lake with views of Merchant Peak and
Townsend Mountain.
Some interesting history of the
Barclay Lake trail. ‘Before 1966, this popular cut through five miles
of some of the most spectacular ancient forest in the Skykomish region.
Plans by the forest service and Weyerhaeuser to cut it down set off a
firestorm of opposition. Although the battle was lost and barely a
fragment of the old growth forest remains, the destruction of Barclay
Creek outraged the public and energized a conservation movement that
has gone on to protect much of the Cascades. The logging of Barclay
Creek marked the high point of the timber element in the Forest
Service, which has been losing ground ever since.’
This is a good trek to get your
juices going and get the embracing feel of Mother Natures Wonderland.
Good for all of the family but don’t expect to be alone. Venture up
Barclay lake and view the sheer cliffs of Mount Baring. Enjoy a picnic
lunch and allow the soothing song of the forest as it rustles its cords
through the trees.
To
start your adventure just link
yourself via the links listed below.
Barclay Lake via the Barclay Lake Trail - Directions
Barclay
Lake via the Barclay Lake Trail - Maps
Barclay
Lake via the Barclay Lake Trail - Photographs