There’s something special about setting out for a fall adventure, especially when it involves a two-hour drive through misty, moody forests.
I recently ventured to Barclay Lake, nestled in the rugged landscape near Index, Washington. On the drive, with the sky thick with spooky fall vibes, I listened to my favorite podcast, Too Scary; Didn't Watch. If you don't know this podcast yet, let me put you on to it! They recap scary movies for people who want to know what happens in them but are too scared to actually watch them (like me!). I've been listening literally since episode ONE and just adore the hosts!
Okay enough about that, let's jump into talking about the hike.
STOP! Before you go any further, be sure to learn about Leave No Trace!
About Barclay Lake trail
Barclay Lake trail was what I needed on a rainy day. With minimal elevation gain, it’s an ideal trail for anyone recovering from an injury or just looking for a more accessible, low-impact hike.
Of course, the forecast promised a dry day, but the weather had other plans. That's part of the beauty of hiking in Washington, though, right? Even in the rain, it's still beautiful!
ROAD
The road up there is rough but if you have a SUV (I drive a Subaru Outback), you’ll be fine! Just take it slow. I would say if you have a Sedan, you might want to reconsider or just go really, really slow.
PARKING & PASSES
There is a pretty small parking lot with a pit toilet and a picnic bench. You need a NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) to park there. There's no cell service, so be sure to purchase this in advance.
TRAIL & VIEWS
The trail was extremely well maintained. A little muddy in some places, so waterproof boots are a must.
I am three months out from a foot surgery, so this was my first “long” hike. I did a ton of research to make sure this wouldn’t be too steep in any one spot and I was pleasantly surprised to find the whole trail very accessible and a very gradual elevation grade when it wasn’t flat.
I will say, though, my Garmin tracked 6.2 miles roundtrip which is much longer than what is listed on WTA and AllTrails, so plan accordingly. It ended up taking me 2 hours and 20 minutes total at a very leisurely pace.
The views were lovely at the lake even on a super cloudy, gloomy day. This was a perfect hike for a rainy day because the canopy of trees keeps you pretty sheltered from the elements. Fall foliage was just starting to fade in late October, but there is an abundance of moss, ferns, and mushrooms to see!
OTHER NOTES
There were only 2 other cars in the lot when I arrived around 11:45am on a gloomy Wednesday. I only saw 2 cars when I made it back down, so you'll have lots of privacy. The trail had no trash on it except for one dog poop bag which I picked up and packed out. Let’s all work together to keep these areas pristine and practice Leave No Trace! No cell service either, so come prepared!
Beyond the Views
As I trekked through the mist-laden forest, I started to think about how we often approach hikes with a mindset of achievement—reaching a summit or a viewpoint. But there is so much magic to be found in the little things along the way. My camera quickly filled up with snapshots of ferns, mushrooms, and vibrant moss blanketing every surface, each a reminder of nature’s quiet details.
I found myself stopping every few minutes to capture the beauty around me. The result? It took me nearly an hour and fifteen minutes to go three miles. And you know what? It was worth it. Letting go of the race allowed me to fully appreciate the serenity and the gentle rhythm of nature. Hiking doesn’t always have to be about the end goal; sometimes, it’s just about immersing yourself in the journey.
As I continued, the clouds finally parted, and a bright blue sky made a brief appearance as I neared the lake. Nature has a sense of humor.
Like these mushroom pictures? You can buy prints or downloads here.
All of this got me thinking about the idea of “hiking your own hike.” There’s this ongoing debate online about what counts as a "real" hike and who “qualifies” as a hiker. Let me set the record straight: if you’re out there, being safe and respecting nature, then you’re a hiker. Whether it’s a short, slow stroll or a strenuous summit, there’s no wrong way to be in the outdoors. Your journey, pace, and style are enough. As long as you’re leaving no trace and enjoying the experience, you don’t need to meet anyone else’s standards. Let go of that competition and embrace the freedom of the trail!
This hike ended up stretching my limits just a bit, totaling 6.2 miles by the time I returned to my car. Three months post-foot surgery, I was in a bit of pain. But instead of being discouraged, I was grateful to see how far I’ve come, and knowing my boundaries helps me plan my next adventures with confidence.
Ending the Day at the Espresso Chalet
After the hike, I stopped by the Espresso Chalet just outside of Index—a place I’ve been meaning to visit for ages. Not only did they have fantastic coffee (like seriously, this was some of the best I've ever had), but the Halloween decorations were on point, perfectly matching the spooky fall mood of the day. I also got some delicious fudge to bring home to my husband. Best of all, Bridal Veil Falls was in full view, roaring in the background and adding a scenic touch to the cozy little spot.
This adventure was everything I needed in a fall day: a peaceful, misty walk through nature, moments of personal reflection, and a rewarding post-hike coffee in a place that feels like something out of a storybook. Here's to embracing every moment, every raindrop, and every twist in the trail. Remember, your outdoor experience is valid, just as you are. So, hike your own hike—whatever that looks like for you.
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