Great hike for this time of year (especially if you are like me and have a hard time getting to a TH before noon) - short, but you get a work out and some views, so it doesn't seem too easy and you don't have the feeling of doing more driving than hiking.
Got to the trailhead around 12:40pm - there is no real parking lot, just along the road. Road has a few potholes, but overall should be pretty doable in any car. We were the 3rd car and only saw 3 other groups the whole day. There is no privy at this trail or Lake Valhalla, so would recommend using the public bathroom at Stevens Pass. Trail starts off with a decent climb, getting steepest just before the wilderness boundary. After the wilderness boundary, the second half gradually becomes flatter and goes much faster. Arrived at the lake after about 1-1.5 hours and it was too foggy to even see across. Very pretty and the fog cleared a little as we took a break. Some snow on the trail around the lake and probably the last half mile or so to the lake. Had spikes, but did not need them. Had a trekking pole, which was used a lot during the climb up and down, but not essential.
After a short snack break at the lake, we crossed over to the other side to see if we could get a view of Theseus Lake from the ridge - do not miss this! It is minimal effort and at least as good of a view as the other lake! We did not go to Theseus lake as the elevation gain/loss is a lot, more than we were looking for especially in slightly snowy conditions. After enjoying the views and taking some pictures, headed back down to the cars, which we got to a little after 4pm. About 3.5 hours total, but without breaks would be closer to 2.5- 3 hours.
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