Within the last few years I have become fascinated and intrigued by the benefits of cold water therapy. As someone who does whatever they can to manage autoimmune flare ups, the idea of dipping ones body into frigid waters makes sense to me as a way to mitigate inflammation. When my water heater broke last November I took a cold showers (in the middle of winter) for over a month, and while the initial process was not fun, I felt amazing.
Alas, when the water heater was fixed I was happy to go right back to warm showers.
I didn’t always embrace cold water. When I was in my 20’s I used to avoid going into the ocean when at the beach, or alpine lakes while hiking, but in 2020 I submerged my body into an Austrian alpine lake after a very, VERY hot day of hiking and I was sold. The last few summers I have done my best to get into the water at the beach at least once during beach visits, and this past August I managed to swim in two alpine lakes.
First up: Lake 22
A modest, beautiful hike in the Snoqualmie National Forest area, clocking in at 6 miles RT with an elevation gain of 1500′. I embarked on this adventure with my friend Caitlin and her sister Christina. In an attempt to beat the crowds and the heat we left at 0500, arriving at the trail head by 0700. We were the first car in the lot, quickly followed by one other guy. He beat us to the lake, but as we were arriving he was leaving, giving us the lake to ourselves for at least 45 minutes,
I had never done this hike before, but I can see why it is so popular. There is a well maintained boardwalk system that circumnavigates the entirety of the lake, and the reflection of the surrounding mountains are stunning. We found a spot in the sun and started swimming around 0900. I kept my body submerged in this cold, yet refreshing water for at least 25 minutes before we headed back down. This was a perfect introduction.
Next up: Snow Lake & Gem Lake
Heading East of Seattle towards Snoqualmie Pass is one of the most popular summer hikes in the Seattle area. Snow Lake is a 6.7 mile RT, 1700′ elevation gain hike that hundreds of people flock to. The waters of Snow Lake are some of the most blue and green I have seen in this area, and this is one of my favorite hikes. It had been years since I hiked this trail, and I wrangled Caitlin into hiking this, with the intention of continuing on to Gem Lake for a swim.
Gem Lake is an additional 3 miles, with an extra 1000′ of elevation or so, and I was hopeful we could find a pocket of solace as most people stop at Snow Lake. We arrived at the Snow Lake trail head around 0700, and there were a LOT of cars in the lot already. People likely staying in the nearby cabins, and we saw a few parties starting their ascent up to Snow Lake. We were able to pass some people, giving us the trail mostly to ourselves on the way up. We stopped for our first snack once we reached Snow Lake, appreciating the quiet of the early morning ambiance.
The final trek to Gem Lake was easier than I anticipated. It was getting warm, the high of this day was in the 90’s, but with a cold lake to look forward to it was easy to push on. Thankfully with the early start we beat most of the heat, until we were going down. More on that in a minute. We passed a few people who had camped along the way, we weaved and bobbed through the trees, we scrambled over a rocky field (my ankles were sore for days after this), until finally we reached the lake.
There were more people than I expected at this lake, but we still found our own spot to swim. We were in the shade, which was chilly, but it only took a minute before my body acclimated to the water. One of my favorite things to do after sitting in cold water for a bit is to crack my knuckles. My joints swell when it’s hot and when I am hiking, and twisting my back to pop as well was such a relief. We stayed in our section of water for probably 30 minutes.
Across from us on a rock higher up were two guys listening to music. This smaller cove like lake area carries sound incredibly well, and although they were too far away to normally hear them, with the water carrying their sounds we heard not only their obnoxious music, but their voices. At one point one of them said: “those girls are staying in the water.” Clearly they were being outshone by us women, and they jumped one by one from their ledge into the water.
This made my sphincters tighten, I don’t like watching people jump into possibly shallow waters.
Caitlin and I both stayed in the water cooling off, but once I felt my fingers turning white I knew it was time to get out. We moved ourselves into the sun to eat our second snack before heading back down to the car. Caitlin and I sneakily took similar photos of each other while we were snacking, great minds think alike.
I couldn’t tell you what exactly went wrong for me as we made our way back down. Maybe it was the RX bar I ate (those never sit the best, but man I love them), maybe it was the heat getting into the 90’s, maybe it was fatigue, but I started to feel incredibly nauseous as we descended the switch backs after passing Snow Lake. The traffic was stop and go at times because there were so many people coming up (whoever decides to start a hike at 1300 in 90 degree weather is a certified psychopath in my opinion) making the hike down slower than I’d have liked.
This was a one step at a time descent for me, and I was so thankful when we reached the car. Unfortunately I was sick the entire 2 hour ride home, but thankfully Caitlin drove to this hike. I had my eyes shut most of the the way home focusing on my breathing and doing my best not to hurl on my newfound hiking pal. I made it home unscathed, took a shower, ate, and finally started to feel better.
Sickness aside, this was my favorite hike of the year so far. It was a beautiful day, and I loved swimming in Gem Lake. Swimming here was a full circle moment for me, because the last time I hiked to Gem Lake in 2014 my hiking pal swam, but I did not. I was overheated then too, but wasn’t comfortable with my body (the irony, I was at my thinnest then – typical female brain) so I did not swim.
These days I could care less what people think of my body, I’m getting in the damn lake.
As I say goodbye to summer the weather is turning colder, and the pumpkin products have hit the shelves. I don’t see many alpine lake swims for me the rest of the year, but who knows maybe a true polar plunge is in my future. Fall hiking is my favorite, and I cannot wait to watch the leaves change. Crunchy walks here I come.
Q: Do you like swimming in cold water?
Blissfulbritt 
62 thoughts on “August Alpine Lakes”
niall
I somehow missed that you live in Seattle? I used to be involved with Geocaching.com who have their head office there but never got the chance to visit. One day maybe 🙂
Brittany
I don’t live IN Seattle, but I’m about an hour boat ride from the city. I’m in the middle of Olympic National Park, and the Cascades. Good spot to be. I’ll have to check out the website!
Atheria
Oh, you are in the “Banana Belt” of WA. 🙂 The Pacific NW is so gorgeous. I still wish Oregon had worked out for me in 2008-2009…but…nope. New Mexico insisted on making me come back.
Brittany
Whaaaaat is the banana belt!? Please don’t say banana slugs…🤮
Atheria
I can’t believe you’ve not heard of it! Although, it seems it’s a very limited part of western WA. “How the Olympic Mountains near Port Angeles in the Olympic Peninsula cause a small semi-arid region in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Sequim, Port Townsend, and to a lesser extent Port Angeles, are located in what is referred to tongue-in-cheek as the banana belt of Washington State.”
Brittany
I’ve literally never heard that! LOL. I wonder why it’s called that. Too funny. This little banana belt is a wonderful place. ☺️
Atheria
Banana belt simply means that the area is sunnier and drier than the rest of Washington.
MarketGardenReader/IntegratedExpat
When we visited the PNW (specifically, Vancouver Island), I was enchanted by the banana slugs. 🥰 I’m not so keen on the ones in my own garden. 😂
Brittany
When I was 2yrs old I stepped on a banana slug in my bare socks. This single event has left me with an irrational phobia of any and all slugs, and the bigger they are the more fearful I become. I know, it’s ridiculous HA!!
MarketGardenReader/IntegratedExpat
That sounds like a completely rational fear to me. As disgusting as stepping in cat sick or mouse remains. Slug slime sticks like glue. Ugh!
Brittany
My mom learned very fast that socks covered in slug should not go in the washer. 🤣
Josh del Villar
Big fan of cold water swimming, and cold showers, but mainly in the summer heat. Often after a hot summer run I come home and just hose myself off in the backyard. It’s a bit of a shock but so so good.
Brittany
Those are the best times. I always think about jumping into the waters near the beach after a hot run or bike ride. But the beach is a bit of a drive so I know I’ll cool down too much by then. Hosing off is a great idea hah.
Rootchopper
You are reminding me of my long ago bike trips to the kettle ponds near Boston and Providence. Warm on the surface but ice cold just a foot or two down. The perfect remedy for a hot summer day when you don’t have AC.
Once I did a ride to a pond and brought some sparkling red wine. Really bad idea. My stomach and my head were spinning for the whole way back home.
Brittany
Omgggg I would die if I drank anything and had to bike. Fun in the moment I’m sure. 🤣
Rootchopper
No! It was an awful 90 minutes of riding. Imagine hiking with crappy wine sloshing around in your belly. ugh!!
Brittany
No no, I meant drinking the wine was enjoyable in the immediate moment. DEFINITELY NOT after. 🤣
Rootchopper
It was warm, almost hot having been cooking in a saddle bag for 90 minutes. Truly nasty. Being young and witless, I decided that if I had paid for it and carted it all the way to the kettle pond that I should drink it. Bad idea. 😮
Brittany
Hahaha this is too funny. Live and learn.
Sheree
I love Cryotherapy but that’s just for 3 mins
Michael McCard
I miss hiking. I used to live right next to the Blue Ridge / Appalachian Trail. Amazing photos.
Brittany
What a beautiful place to live. I’ve never been, but the videos and photos I’ve seen are stunning.
Blessed Queen 👑
I am not a fan of cold water but mountain hike is one of my hobbies 😁
Brittany
Mine too!
Jim Earlam
I’m an Englishman Britt, we only end up in cold water if the ship goes down! Nice website.
Brittany
This made me laugh, thanks. 😆
crustytuna
Gorgeous shots! I take so much issue with people who play music on loudspeakers on hikes, because don’t they know that I’m trying my damndest to get away from them?
Kudos to a solid half hour in icemelt!
Love a good alpine lake dip after a sweaty climb. I’ve never been able to stay in for long though, just long enough to contaminate the pristine water with my sweaty self
Brittany
I couldn’t agree more about music on hikes. It boggles my mind people don’t realize or care that they are being somewhat disruptive to those around them.
Any dip is a worthy dip, even if it’s just quick enough to contaminate. I laughed at that. 🤣
Liz H-H
My family were Lake Superior sailors, so our summers were full of baking in the sun and freezing our whatnots, then acclimating and paddling around, and repeating the cycle again and again. Good times!
Brittany
I love it!! What a great way to spend the summer. I’ve never been to Lake Superior, but I’ve heard nothing but good things!
bacchorpererro
Love it, very refreshing and a great dopamine rush
Brittany
I couldn’t agree more!
Roy McCarthy
Nice write up. Here in Jersey (C.I.) a huge number of people have taken to sea swimming since lockdown. Without exception they find it hugely beneficial, physically and mentally. Whilst happy for them I’ll stick to dry land.
Brittany
Fair enough! There is definitely merit to both sides. 🤪 I like to think the salt waters are good for my skin too.
Jas
I first heard about cold water therapy from listening to a Russell Brand podcast when he interviewed a man named Wim Hof. I am slowly getting used to cold showers but I definitely don’t think I am ready for a dip in the lake …
Brittany
I think most people are likely to try cold showers over lake dips, but I find cold showers more difficult! Something about having a choice on the temperature keeps me choosing warmer, but with the lake or ocean it’s just one temp. All in! 🤣
MarketGardenReader/IntegratedExpat
I grew up on the English coast and spent most of my summers submerged in the rather nippy North Sea, or sat on the sea wall drying out. It makes me laugh that people call it ‘wild swimming’, then wear fancy gear and take floats out with them. Have to admit I didn’t go swimming in the sea in cold weather, but our local pool wasn’t much warmer. Brrrr! And school swimming was in an unheated pool, too. Didn’t realise I was being so healthy. I’ll rinse off with cold water after a warm shower now, when I’ve been to the gym. It does feel invigorating, with the bonus that I don’t sweat so much afterwards.
Brittany
WOW! You had an early start getting your body used to the colder water, well done. If I stay too long in a warm shower I get sluggish and feel gross. There is definitely something to the colder water!
michellecj333
Living in Alabama in the summer is miserable with heat and humidity. If i could transport directly to any of these lakes at any point I’d gladly do so. Also at any point during one of these new “ power surges” ie hot flashes that have started recently. I’m in! What incredible Beauty over in the PNW. I’ve hiked the Olympic Coast once and this post gives me a powerful craving to head back out there sooner than later!
Brittany
I have never been to Alabama, but I cannooott handle humidity well. Pair that with heat and I would die. Then again, you probably have AC and I do not, and some of the 90 degree days in the summer have me wanting to die too. LOL
michellecj333
Air conditioning is key down here!!!! We rarely go outside in the summer unless we are in a body of water.
hdsalmon
I have heard of people getting altitude sickness, but usually it is those who don’t live in high altitude areas. I know I get sick just from the excitement of everything. Especially travelling. I love your posts. Keep going.
Brittany
I’ve definitely been altitude sick before, and we didn’t gain any more elevation than I’ve done already this year, but it was certainly odd to feel so nauseous! Could have been a combo of everything I suppose! Thank you for the kind words!
Pree
Does using cold water to wash my hair count? haha! I’ve also not been so adverse to cold water lately, as the texas heat is just so freaking unbearable haha!
Brittany
It’s getting colder here all of a sudden, I can’t imagine being in Texas right now. I’m excited for the fall season and I don’t think Texas has many colors?
Pree
Haha not too many! Just green and brown lol
gpavants
Brittney,
I can do it, just getting moving quick. Go have great adventures.
Thanks, Gary
Belladonna
Wow this view is beautiful.
My husband takes cold baths a few times a week and he’s trying to gem e to do the sam. I’m not there yet.
Brittany
I admire him, it’s not easy!! It’s ok if you’re not there, especially as it’s getting colder (unless you live somewhere warm.)
Belladonna
I’m going to try it out after my next hard workout.
Brittany
You’ve got this!! It will feel so amazing AFTER.
Belladonna
We shall see! nervous!!!!
ssparkler3
I LOVE this post ty – we don’t have many lakes in Australia. I don’t mind too much swimming in cold water, I am near the ocean (about 5 minutes’ walk away) and swim pretty frequently during about November to April (southern hemisphere!!).
Brittany
Whoohooo! Your swimming season is almost here!
ssparkler3
Yes!! First swim last Friday.
Rita
I took have an autoimmune condition. Two actually. The best thing I’ve done for inflammation is to give up processed sugar. It’s not easy, but you will start to feel so much better.
Brittany
I gave up sugar, dairy, and most grains a few years ago and it was night and day! I’d say 80% of my diet is this way, but once in a while I’ll splurge. I always feel the difference, but sometimes my brain appreciates the small bread from the same foods.
Rita
Oh good for you! You’re way ahead of me! I absolutely do not cheat on the gluten free! Nope not worth it. Once in a while I’ll have something with maltodextin or dextrose. I try to avoid those too, but so many things have them! We do most of our eating at home, where we can control what goes into a dish!
Brittany
Me too! Gluten free is a must, I can handle the inflammation in some areas of my body…but the mental struggles I get when I eat gluten are NOT worth it. Do you have celiac?
I also eat mostly at home, eating out gives me a lot of anxiety. Too many people with autoimmune diseases don’t take nutrition seriously and it makes me sad! So many symptoms could be helped by dietary changes.
Rita
Yes. Me and all four of my kiddos have celiac disease. As an added bonus, I also have diabetes (thanks, Dad!) It is so not worth cheating with gluten! The side effects when one of us accidentally gets “glutened” are enough of a deterrent to want to purposely hurt yourself! If we’re going to go out, I prefer Subway (where I can get a salad dressed with oil and vinegar!) It’s expensive, though, so we generally all take turns cooking at home. Also, lunch is our main meal. This way it gives our bodies a chance to digest before bed.
Brittany
Smart! I’m sorry you all have to be so vigilant, but finding the right balance in life is key and it sounds like you’ve found it.
Rita
Trying hard!