It was planned to be a gorgeous sunny Saturday so I got to the trailhead early to park closer to the trail. Parked at 6.50am, there were 10 cars or so, and other cars started to fill in parking soon after. It was dark like night, but at 7.20am it was already quite light and I started the hike. Beware that restrooms are closed for the season. Some snow and ice on the trail but manageable with no spikes.
Made it to the lake around 10am - with other 2 groups of people passing one another periodically - just before sun came out the mountains. Last 30 minutes or so were very discouraging. It was infinite boulders and switchbacks, and it seemed that I was going rounds and not getting closer to the lake. But once you get to it, you forget everything :-) Literally could not move not talk for good 10 minutes. Absolutely gorgeous view and it’s not even clear at first where the lake and mountains meet. Had a quiet lunch with the lake to only myself.
Once sun came out the water became turquoise and it is totally new view and impression. I also saw American marten jumping the rocks at the shore, so cute.
Started the way down at 10.30am, and made it to the parking at 12.30pm. A lot of groups were going up, and I think about 30 cars were parked along the road with more cars coming. Parking lot and about 1 mile of the bumpy road was covered with ice, so please be careful and slow.
As I drove back to Seattle I was enjoying fall colors around Leavenworth. Gorgeous autumn.
PS. Thanks to the person proposed to take my picture at the lake. It is beautiful!
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