We hiked this on Labor day and it was gorgeous weather. Still quite a bit of snow on some areas of the trail but you could tell it was melting fast. We ended up turning back because of sunlight and difficulty trail finding towards the last climb up to the lake. We passed a few groups who made it all the way to the lake but they started much earlier than us. Still worth the views and gorgeous sights along the way. Would love to hike this trail again when it's in a little bit better shape.  

Just a note about road conditions - Was planning on Alta Peak but FS road to Rachel Lake TH after Kachess Campground still with snow - maybe 1-2 weeks before melts out depending on weather? (At least for doing with Subaru Outback). Went to Easton Ridge TH

We didn’t even make it up the trail but our 4Runner got stuck 5 times on the way up and around the Rachel Lake road. High clearance and snow chains required. Didn’t get onto trail. 

Chose this trail based on trying to avoid rain today and got really lucky (way to go meteorologists!) ... overcast and hiked through a cloud at the top, but also some great sun breaks and peekaboo views of Hibox Mountain.

Trail description & directions are very accurate, no need to repeat - ~ 4 miles after turning left at Katchess Campground and you'll see the TH sign and parking on the opposite side. Privvy is open, no TP.  The last stretch of the hike to the lake is definitely a steeper grade and rooty!

There was about 6" of snow around the lake (gradually building on the ascent) - i was very grateful someone had been through before me to help navigate the last 0.5-1 mile - would strongly recommend a GPS for that bit... didnt need snowshoes or microspikes, just wet slushy stuff in places.  gaiters were nice as were poles to test the trail.  i was likely in the wrong spot as i got closer to the top, but the trail kept reappearing. 

the lake was pretty socked in but nice. still some fall colors on the hillsides.  the creek was running strongly along with all the other mini waterfalls and trickles flowing off the mountain.  it was wonderfully peaceful.  I was the only one in the parking lot or on the trail. 

Well, this was a very interesting day hike. We went on a Friday when the first rains came in after thick forest fire smoke blanketed the region over the last week or so. Firstly, I put in the coordinates given by WTA for the trail head, but it was about a mile short of the actual trail. Thank goodness I had a copilot in the car who found the trail head on her phone and talked me in. We were the first car in the parking lot around 9:30. The privy is no longer being stocked. The trail was in great shape for the first 2 miles. Just before the steep section there was one downed tree that obliterated the trail for about 50 feet requiring a walk around. The steep section was challenging, we often had to stop and check Gaia to find the trail. It started to snow around 4000 feet and the little Parson Russell terrier we were hiking with was soaked from the rain down below and by the time we got to the snow, he was shivering violently. We couldn't get him to warm up and actually had to turn around and go back down about 1/4 mile before the lake. There was some beautiful fall foliage and the rain was creating a lot of puddles as well as multiple small creek crossings. It's a beautiful trail, I was thrilled to be there in clear air, but I'm anxious to go back sometime soon to complete the hike to the lake.