Howard Lake
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trail can be slippery when wet, and in the North Cascades that means most of the season. Watch your footing on the steeper pitches, particularly on the descent when gravity is less forgiving.
This is black bear country. Make noise on the forested sections where sightlines are short, and store any snacks properly if you're lingering at the lake.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early morning for the best wildlife viewing at the lake — waterfowl are most active in the first two hours after sunrise, and you'll likely have the shore to yourself.
Trekking poles earn their weight here. The grade is steep enough that your knees will thank you on the descent, especially if the trail is damp and the packed dirt turns slick.
Bring a lightweight camp chair or sit pad — the lakeshore is the kind of place where you'll want to linger for thirty minutes, and the ground tends to be damp even in summer.
Photos
NPS
