Take a Hike | Merritt Lake near Leavenworth, Washington

Now that the snow is melting from the peaks and mud season is finally waning, it’s time to start planning for summer hiking—at least it is for me.

If you’ve been reading SINI for a while, you know we’re big fans of the Leavenworth area. We make the trip at least once a year—for summer camping and hiking, a pit stop on the way to the west side, or to soak in the magic of fall during the lively Oktoberfest season. Whatever the reason, Leavenworth rarely disappoints.

Last June, I had the pleasure of tagging along on one of Kyle’s motorcycle rallies in Plain, Washington, just outside Leavenworth. While he worked the Rever booth during the day, I wandered town and took myself on a few solo hikes.

My favorite from that trip? Merritt Lake—a beautiful 5.5-mile round-trip hike to a quiet alpine lake. It reminded me a lot of our hike to Harrison Lake back home: lush, rewarding, and just remote enough to feel like you’ve found something special.

The trail offered a solid climb. Enough to get your heart pumping, but not so intense that you’re wiped out for the rest of the day. Unlike many trails in the area, Merritt Lake is dog-friendly, which was great news for Rue. She trotted along happily, nose to the ground, tail high, rolling in the remaining patches of snow. It's always a bonus when we can share the trail with her.

Whether it was the time of year or just good timing, we only saw a few other hikers, refreshing for a Washington hike, which can often feel like you’re walking through an amusement park. Even “less traveled” trails in the state can resemble northern Idaho’s busy ones. Finding solitude is always a treat.

The only downside was the bugs. Once we reached the lake, they were out in full force, persistent and aggressive. It made lingering by the shore a little less appealing than I’d hoped. I’ve since read that the bugs tend to calm down later in the summer, so that might be the sweet spot for your visit.

One delightful surprise: we spotted early-season huckleberries just starting to peek through. Even more surprising was the snow still clinging to the shady patches of trail. That rare combo—berries and snow—felt like a small, quiet gift. A reminder that opposites can coexist in a single, fleeting moment.

If you liked this post, I’ve got a poem inspired by this hike coming out in my next newsletter. It’s only for subscribers – sign up here to get it in your inbox.

If you’re heading across Washington this summer, carve out time for the scenic drive through Leavenworth and a stop at Merritt Lake. Then treat yourself to tacos and a margarita at South in town. A perfect day.

The trail offered a solid climb. Enough to get your heart pumping, but not so intense that you’re wiped out for the rest of the day. Unlike many trails in the area, Merritt Lake is dog-friendly, which was great news for Rue. She trotted along happily, nose to the ground, tail high, rolling in the remaining patches of snow. It's always a bonus when we can share the trail with her.

Whether it was the time of year or just good timing, we only saw a few other hikers, refreshing for a Washington hike, which can often feel like you’re walking through an amusement park. Even “less traveled” trails in the state can resemble northern Idaho’s busy ones. Finding solitude is always a treat.

The only downside was the bugs. Once we reached the lake, they were out in full force, persistent and aggressive. It made lingering by the shore a little less appealing than I’d hoped. I’ve since read that the bugs tend to calm down later in the summer, so that might be the sweet spot for your visit.

One delightful surprise: we spotted early-season huckleberries just starting to peek through. Even more surprising was the snow still clinging to the shady patches of trail. That rare combo—berries and snow—felt like a small, quiet gift. A reminder that opposites can coexist in a single, fleeting moment.

If you liked this post, I’ve got a poem inspired by this hike coming out in my next newsletter. It’s only for subscribers – sign up here to get it in your inbox.

If you’re heading across Washington this summer, carve out time for the scenic drive through Leavenworth and a stop at Merritt Lake. Then treat yourself to tacos and a margarita at South in town. A perfect day.