Mosquitos were aggressive and relentless. Even with bug spray, my group got bit through our clothes, behind our glasses, and EVERYWHERE. We could not stop to appreciate the beauty and had to eat standing up, constantly wiggling, and swatting ourselves. Maybe this hike would be nicer later in the season, but you may miss the wild flower display, and loose your water source after the third mad river crossing. There would be nice huckleberries though. Also, dirt bikes are allowed on this trail after July 15th, although check because I saw a forest service post that they were not permitted this year.
If you decide to go, the road fr6101 is pretty rough, but not the worst. It is narrow, hugging a steep drop off. I would hate to contend with an oncoming vehicle. The trail is easy to follow. The second mad river crossing (first has a bridge, second you have to ford) was almost low enough to bolder hop across. The meadows and lake was beautiful. This is a long easy hike, just not sure there is ever a right time to do this hike with the mosquitos in early season, motor cycles in late season, and possible water sources drying up. So all in all, probably not worth the long drive to get to.
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