More of a walk really but we loved it. The river, trees, mountains and "lake" were spectacular in the sunshine. I would say a sunny winter (or early spring) day would be the best for this trail as I think a lot of the views would be obstructed with summer foliage grown in. It is definitely worth driving the entire Mountain Loop Hwy rather than going in and out the same way (it only adds about 30 minutes to the drive). Enjoy!

Hiked the Beaver Lake trail yesterday with a friend there were quite a few people there. Trail is pretty flat and easy to follow there is a minor washout near the first quarter where you may want to be careful stepping down as its covered in slippery mud and a bit narrow. The washout however is pretty cool as it looks to have uncovered an old piece of the railroad tracks! Once you near the lake there is quite a bit of sticky clay on the trail but other than that no blow downs or anything else. Saw a tree that looked to be pretty freshly gnawed on by a beaver in the lake as well but saw no beavers. Make sure to continue past the lake as there are some beautiful enormous trees just past it and a great view of Pugh, Sloan and Bedal.

Hiking is primarily a spiritual and sensual pursuit for me. I don't really love destination-focused exertion that for me personally takes my attention off communion with nature. And this is my favorite kind of hike. Magical mossy forest, the river along-side. Rain the whole time. And that lake! I could sit and just watch it for hours if I wasn't starting to get chilly. What a gorgeous place! I was soaked and unbelievably happy by the time I got back to my car. Had a lucky Friday off so didn't even see a soul. Of course had to stop in for a cup of coffee on the way back as others suggested. He said a few others have come by from this hike, and that he had seen the post about it. That was fun. Great energy there for sure.

Great easy hike on what was a perfect day. Watched the sun come through the trees and moss, brightening the river as it passed by us along our walk. Trail is in excellent condition apart from one spot that just takes a little steadiness to pass through. Lots of views of the white mountain peeks as you follow the river's turn. I know others have mentioned it, but there is a great coffee house/bookstore in Darrington. You have to get beyond the main road that passes through town, but it is on the way to the hike. The owner is very friendly with a great focus on the local community.

I can't add much to Kim Brown's nice trail description of 1/11 except a few pictures. This is a wonderful winter wander, meant to be taken slow. Lots of moss, frost flowers, a wild river and some very large trees. Remnants of the old railroad are right along the river where the trail slouches. The beavers have been busy, and the ponds are full of their handiwork. Check out the half cut alder tree by the trail, Beaver Lake indeed was well named! Eat lunch on a nice log along the river in the sunshine where the trail comes to an end. As Kim mentioned, the Darrington Coffee/bookstore is well worth as stop, good coffee, and books about the area. I picked up 'Waterfalls on the Mountain Loop Highway', won't find that at Amazon I'll bet. Also GT maps there if you forgot one. The TH is brand spankin' new, but the loo is locked for now. Go (so to speak) across the bridge to the rafter access parking lot where the loos are open