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Elevation gain: 500 ft
Roundtrip distance: 4.4 miles
Northwest Forest Pass
Getting there: Barclay Lake trail head is approximately an hour and thirty minutes (64.2 miles) from Seattle Pacific University via US-2, passing through the town of Gold Bar. Google Maps will take you to the correct trail head. Be prepared to travel 15 minutes on a narrow, unpaved road to the top once you turn off US-2.
Trail head: There are several parking spots at the trail head, however a majority of the cars are parked on one side of the road. The parking lot requires Northwest Forest Pass but there is no self-issue station so be sure to attain one prior to getting off US-2. Day use Northwest Forest Passes can be attained online for $5 or often found at gas stations in neighboring towns. There is a restroom at the trail head, next to the start of the trail.
On the trail: The trail begins with a steep descent through thinned forest paralleling a small creek, then the trail levels out to take you all the way to the edge of Barclay Lake. There is only a net gain of 200 feet of elevation over the duration of the lake, but there is enough up-and-down to keep you entertained. Roughly a mile in, you will cross over Barclay Creek on a log bridge with a single railing. Use caution, as the bridge may be slippery with moss or ice depending on the time of year. From here, continue 0.5 miles and reach Barclay Lake’s north shore. There are a series of viewpoints of Barclay Lake and the towering Baring Mountain above for the following half of a mile. If you are looking for a hammocking location, there are great trees around Barclay Lake that would be perfect!
This is a highly recommended winter hike due to the lower avalanche risk, road accessibility and relative flatness that may not require snowshoes or microspikes. However, be sure to check weather, road and avalanche conditions prior to leaving for this hike in the winter and come get microspikes from ORP if you suspect ice on the trail. We rent microspikes for $2 a day, $4 a weekend, and $8 for an entire week.
Nearby Options:
Heybrook Lookout
Beckler Peak
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