Barclay Lake

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Barclay Lake

Region:
Seattle and Passes
Elev. Gain: 
200 ft.
High: 
2,532 ft.
Where:
Baring, WA
Distance: 
4.30 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: 
Easy
Rating: 
3
Nice hike for families and beginners
Trailhead and parking lot for Barclay Lake
Along the well maintained trail to Barclay Lake
Log bridge spanning the Barclay River
Barclay Lake as seen from the north shore
The tip of imposing Baring Mountain that towers over Barclay Lake
Camping at Barclay Creek
Wide open pit toilets at Barclay Lake
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Features

family-friendly, dogs allowed, lakes & waterfalls, multiple day

Overview

Merely forty-five minutes from Everett, measuring in at just a hair over two miles, and nearly flat as a pancake, it might be hard to believe that this hard-working trail leads to a beautiful lake in a protected wilderness area with mighty Baring Mountain towering overhead.

Believe it indeed. The easy trek to Barclay Lake is a favorite among families and beginner backpackers alike, and with its close-in proximity and long season of accessibility, we think it's well worth checking out.

From the gravel parking lot, enter the Wild Sky Wilderness on a sturdy trail that takes you through a mix of recovering second-growth forest and old majestic hemlocks cloaked in moss on its way up the valley. At 1.65 miles, cross over Barclay Creek on a log bridge and make the one and only switchback before reaching two rockslides and the lake shortly after.

There's a nice view from the west edge of the lake, but the trail does continue on along the north shore, offering several established campsites and beaches to set up shop and enjoy the lake and views of Baring Mountain above. (Getting to the south shore is a bit tricky, but certainly possible with some imaginative scrambling.)

Camping and swimming are both permitted, and there's even a pit toilet for those brave enough to use it.

Tips: Northwest Forest Pass required. Toilets available at trailhead. Pit toilet (no walls) available at the northeast end of the lake. Swimming is possible in warmer months, but there is no lifeguard on duty. For camping and campfire information, put in a call to the Skykomish Ranger District.

>>Google Directions

How to get there

Head east on Highway 2 to milepost 41, just after entering the town of Baring.
Turn left (north) onto 635th, which is across the street from a little store (Der Baring Store).
Cross the railroad tracks and follow for 0.25 mile onto a gravel road and over a one lane bridge.
At the junction with the electrical lines looming overhead, turn left on Forest Road 6034, which is signed.
Follow for 4.0 miles to the end of the road and the parking lot. Trailhead is clearly signed.