There is nothing quite like the shock to your system that dip in a mountain lake gives. After a long hike in the heat of the day, the chilly waters give a jolt of energy, rewarding you for the effort spent hiking up the hill. The waters are memory erasers, helping weary trekkers forget their tiring journeys while basking in the beauty of the Cascades.
On hot days, the tarns and ponds become an oasis, hidden from view from the towering timbers of our forests. The hike to reach the water leaves us sweating from the humidity and the effort; we question whether this is all worth the effort. After all, we could have just bought a plastic pool and filled it with ice. Yet, we climb on.
Finally, we reach the lake. A light breeze creates ripples across the water, leaving a shimmering reflection of the mountains rising up before us. We take off our shoes, dip our feet in and immediately feel an indescribable bliss. Some of us dive in, immersing our bodies in the pristine waters, reborn through a wilderness baptism. We retreat to sun-drenched rocks to enjoy the warming rays before taking another dip and heading back to the car.
While not all the snowmelt-filled pools and tarns are warm enough to actually swim in, the lakes of the Cascades are the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Try these eight hikes for not only a fun adventure, but a memorable day—whether you’re with family, friends, or just yourself.
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