We left Seattle about 7:30am and it took an hour to get to the trail head. Once you take exit 47 off I-5 it’s a quick 5 min drive. I will say there were a lot of pot holes on the road to the trail head, but we were able to drive slowly and avoid them easily enough. We were the first car in the parking lot and started the trail at 8:55. As we started some other vehicles pulled into the lot. It rained the whole time we were on our adventure, so we got very well-come prepared. The trail was very muddy, but there was no snow or ice yet. There were also some large puddles we maneuvered around. There was a lot of fog, so we didn’t get the best views, but at the lake it was fairly clear. We did have poles that we used, but most everyone else we saw on the hike did not. There are several stair cases to climb up as well. It is a very steady incline for the first 2.5 miles, the last miles is pretty flat though. There were several beautiful waterfalls along the way to the lake. The last mile, we did notice that it got colder the closer we got to the lake. With the rain and cold air, recommend coming prepared. The lake was beautiful, we could see some snow on the other side of the lake. The hike back down was easy enough. After rests and a break at the lake for some food, it took a total of 5 hours. Other hikers definitely did it quicker then we did though. 

I really enjoyed the hike. I will come back during the summer. It was raining and very muddy and wet. Saw a couple of people on the trail. It was Veterans Day. Thank you Veterans for keeping us safe. 

The trail was beautiful. I loved seeing the waterfalls and the rocks on the mountain. I loved seeing the different shades of grey on the mountains west of the trail. 

The lake was serene. I only stayed for a little bit because it was wet and I just wanted to get back home. 

The hike was brutal for me coming up. One must be in pretty good shape if you want to do this hike in a faster than average time. I had to stop three or four times on the way up to catch my breath. 

Thank you Jesus for the hike and well maintained trail. The orange/red diamonds were so helpful. Especially on the way back to the trailhead. 

Arrived at the trailhead around 8:15am on Saturday. There were surprisingly only a few vehicles in the lot. Bathroom was open and stocked with toilet paper. No snow on the trail at all. Took us less than 1.5hrs to get to the lake. Mostly full lot when we ended, but still less crowded than usual. 

Started at 7:30 as the 4th car. There were 32 additional cars on our way back around 11am.

Lovely trail in great conditions. It is a bit muddy in the lower parts but gets drier as you go higher.

As others have mentioned, it's considerably colder around the lake. You can tell you're getting close when you feel the temperature drop abruptly.

We made it without any rain and even had some sun at the lake. No snow on the trail. The peaks around have a small snow cover though, including around the lake.

Multiple pikas were greeting us in the flat section before reaching the lake.

Went on Wednesday, Nov 6 2024. Got to the trial about 0915am and was back by 1pm. This included some time to relax and enjoy the lake view at the top. Parking lot was mostly empty at arrival and departure.

Very well maintained trail. Some muddy spots and snow dustings but nothing that will slow you down. It was noticeably colder at the lake than the parking lot so bring layers. The last 1/3 of the trail is decently steep but they have good stairs built in to make it doable.

Watch the road as it turns to dirt road off I90 there is a large drop off.