July Hikes: 3.75 to 6.5 miles, 500 to 1,750 feet gain - Margaret Lake

Meet at the North Bend Safeway at 7:30 am.

Park near the tall Safeway,  O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Chase Bank sign in the parking lot. The Safeway store is  less than a mile from the  I-90 Exit 31.

We will have the option to consolidate cars for those vaccinated and comfortable with sharing a ride, or  you may drive yourself to the trailhead.

For those driving to the trailhead:  Hike description and trailhead directions are found here: Margaret Lake — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Northwest Forest Pass required for trailhead.

The trail leads up through old clearcuts before entering the forest. Steady but not too steep, it switchbacks until reaching the junction for Margaret Lake at just over two miles.

Turn right at the junction and descend a steep path to Margaret Lake.  We will have our lunch here and (depending on the weather) leisure time to swim or explore around the lake before heading back.

Margaret provides a host of sites to eat and even camp in solitude while enjoying the scenery. Follow the trail to the right around the lake and discover a plethora of options.

  Moderate 6 mile hike, and will go at a moderate pace with plenty of rest breaks as needed.   Feel free to bring flower identification guides as we should see some nice wildflowers on this hike.    Bring lunch and plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes, a swim float and water shoes!  You may also want to bring some insect repellent if the mosquitoes are still in force.

For safety we will all hike as a group so please assess before hand whether this distance/elevation gain/pace will suit you before registering.