Lake Ethel, Lake Julius and Loch Eileen & Lake Donald — Friday, Jul. 3, 2020

First the logistics of getting to the trailhead. The WTA directions for the Lake Ethel hike provide better details than the Lake Julius/Loch Eileen entry, and the Google maps link for Ethel looks like it will send you to the right place (not the case for the Lake Julius/Loch Eileen maps link). When you come to a fork in the forest road, you'll want to go straight rather than up to the right. The road is rough and has some big rocks and a couple deep holes. Most vehicles at the TH were high clearance, but I saw a couple that weren't. Take it slow.

The trail to Lake Ethel is pretty clear of obstacles and has some beautiful wildflowers right now in the clear cut area. I quickly stopped at Lake Ethel to check it out (nice, standard alpine lake, a number of campsites), but my objective was Loch Eileen. There are more blowdowns between Ethel and Eileen, but they can all be navigated. There are just a few small snow patches, easily crossed. Upon arrival at Loch Eileen, there is a stream that currently requires removing shoes and socks and rolling up your pants to avoid soggy clothes.

I set up camp and then ventured up to Lake Donald, which can be accessed by walking away from the lake and past the toilet. Shortly you will see a sign about the Lake Donald basin, and there are cairns that show the way up. It takes 20-30 minutes to get up to that peaceful and spectacular lake. There is also a good campsite up there if you are so inclined.

The mosquitoes were bad when there wasn't wind. For better or worse, we had a cold wind for a good chunk of our time at Loch Eileen, so at least we were able to avoid the mosquitoes then.