I was in the area hiking High Rock Lookout and wanted to keep hiking so I decided to take the trip to Cora Lake as the trail heads are only about a mile apart.
The biggest problem with this hike for the next couple of weeks is snow. Snow made the road impassable about a half mile from this trailhead. Melting fast now and should be clear enough in a week or 2 to access it. There aren't any real parking spots off of the 8440 road. So on the shoulder will probably the best you can do. Trail is marked by a skinny highway style plastic reflector post. Dogs allowed as well as horses and bikes.
Biggest problem right now is snow covering the trail. My son and I are experienced in hiking and hunting and had to use lots of tricks to stick with the trail. Once you find the start of the switchbacks its easier to stick with. A decent elevation gain in a short period at this point.
We got to the top of the saddle to find a good spot to view Mt. Rainier and Cora lake below. The trail then drops down and follows the ridge on the east side of the lake toward the north end where you can get close to the lake. This is where the trail became a problem. The snow has covered the trail and where the trail cuts into the slope and it is steep. We spent a long time digging in steps in the snow before we made the decision to turn back. It was dangerous and we just didn't have the time left in the day to traverse this much snow without traction devices at a minimum.
I would recommend waiting a couple weeks to attempt. Its a short trail with a nice surroundings and I will come back sometime. Will likely need some attention clearing branches and debris off the trail as well.
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