My group and I arrived to the trail head around 11:30am and at that time there was only one other car in the parking lot. The trail is extremely well maintained and easy to follow! There was a bit of mud in some spots, which was to be expected since it was raining, but no major obstacles on the trail itself. 

Overall this was a great gentle hike for people of all ages and abilities. It is mildly unfortunate that the bridge is out, but that doesn't detract from the rest of the experience. 

We hiked to Beaver Lake from the trailhead at the Whitechuck intersection on the Mtn Loop Hiway.   Flat hike to Beaver Lake on old railroad grade.   Bridge is out at the Lake.   Trail is washed out by an abandoned oxbow of the Sauk River just short of the of east trailhead.   Watch for stinging nettles along the trail.

This is an awesome flat hike. With the bridge being out halfway across it's more like 3.4 miles round-trip. 

The lake is gorgeous, I've never seen so many different species of birds. Spotted several nests. And enjoyed lunch surrounded by birdsong. 

Trail maintenance is ongoing here. There was a newly built low bridge over one of the many stream crossings. We only encountered 1 party while on the trail.  

Arrived 630am, not a soul in sight. Beautiful dawn, beautiful day, only tiny bit of mud encountered. Quiet and serene. Trail in great shape. Bridge is blocked about 2/3 across but is great viewing platform for the beaver lake.

I am happy to report that this trail is in some of the best shape I have seen it in! The slide has been benched and can be walked by toddlers, many of the drainage problems have been addressed plus brushing and benching has been done on some sections needing some attention. The only issue of note is the section just before the defunct bridge (now a viewpoint), is mucky clay that just can't be helped, you need boots here.  Our work party was small today, only 5 people. We worked with the Forest Service crew, they cut up some logs on the hillside with their chainsaw while we prepared trenches for the sills for new puncheon. We were at a low spot and there was a lot of muck and mire for sure. We corrected the drainage as best we could before bringing the logs down to the work site. We hauled both the sills and stringers but we had to leave the work unfinished (needs drilling) as the FS crew was notching out our logs. WTA does not want volunteers anywhere near a chainsaw! The trail is beautiful right now, bright yellow skunk cabbage everywhere, yellow wood violets, trillium and the bright green of new grass and leaves. Woodpeckers and hummingbirds!  There has been new beaver activity, 2 new dams and across the pond, gnawed off trees. Such a short,easy level trail anybody can walk it!