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The loop portion of this trail was completed in June. The loop is about 21⁄2 miles. One can add about three miles by hiking to the end of a portion of the original trail.

The parking area is not large and Pass Lake is a fly fishing hub. The lake is open year-round. It is most popular during spring and early summer.

A new section of trail means great tread. It’s soft and easy on the knees because it hasn’t been packed down by the boots of thousands of hikers.

Hikers can thank Pacific Northwest Trail members for the new path.

The Trek: After parking, pass the marker for the trail and head uphill. There are signs of trail maintenance such as cut logs and trimmed brush.

It’s only moments before Pass Lake can be seen through the trees below. The view is obstructed because massive cedars and Douglas firs call this area home.

Take time to inspect the bark and the height of the trees that are still standing. Winter storms ravaged this area and the fallen trees are too numerous to count.

At an intersection, continue to the right on the main trail. The trail to the left will be the return route.

After traipsing around a bend, descend a steep, rocky section of trail as you make your way above the west end of Pass Lake. The lake’s blue waters can be seen through the trees.

The nettles along the trail aren’t bad — yet.

Reaching a fork, the trail leading straight is blocked by a plastic barricade. The trail you are on hairpins to the left.

Immediately to the right is another trail that heads uphill. Taking this leads to the out-and-back portion of the trail. Take the trail to the right, leaving the lake behind and heading into the woods.

Once on top of the ridge, descend into a valley of greenery. Be on the lookout for a wall of moss and ferns.

The trail heads downward. At the bottom of the descent, make your way across a log that spans dark, thick mud. Hike up a hill and through a section of swamp upon a myriad of boards, branches and limbs.

After negotiating the bog, burst out of the woods and into what appears to be the remnants of an orchard.

Take a trail of waist-high grass to a county road. Turn around and retrace your steps to the intersection.

This time, proceed right and head uphill. The trail turns from double-wide to single track just before reaching an old road. Traipse along the road for about a quarter-mile before it disappears and the trail reappears.

The trail becomes overgrown before once again giving way to an old logging road. Continue downhill.

When a large iron gate comes into view, look for a trail to the left. This is the new section of trail that completes the loop. Signs of trail building are abundant along this path. Cut logs, trimmed brush, fresh dirt and removed rocks are mixed with the natural landscape.

Hike up one side of a hill and down the other, dropping into a thick valley of green. Eventually, the lake comes back into view.

Reaching a ‘T’ intersection, go right to return to the rig.

Distance: 51⁄2 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 400 feet

Getting there: Highway 20 toward Deception Pass. Turn right on Rosario Road, then right into the parking area for Pass Lake. The trailhead is marked with a plaque.