The trail is mostly snow-free (except for a couple small patches on the switchbacks below the saddle) until the final approach to the saddle, and a few spots after as the trail contours around the lake. We managed fine with trail runners and hiking poles. The lake itself is 98% snow-covered still, with a small area near the outlet melted out. Most campsites are still under snow so dirt sites are very limited, but if you don't mind camping on snow there are actually many more options than there will be after it all melts out.
We camped uphill beyond the outlet where there are two snow-free sites, one big enough for two tents, the other smaller. There is another, larger one in the meadow downhill past the outlet. Otherwise just a couple small dirt sites before the outlet (along with quite a chilly draft in the evening the further you go toward the outlet), and in the meadow along the climbers spur trail toward Shuksan we saw a cluster of tents. There is also room for a tent or two in places to the right of the saddle on your way in.
The bugs weren't bad when moving, but the bity flies are abundant and after sunset the mosquitos found every hole in our tent screens. Other campers had bug nets on and I wish we had brought ours but we made a quick dinner of it and retired with the sun. Bity flies helped breakfast and breaking camp to be a quick process as well.
Even though the trailhead was packed, most folks were climbers or dayhikers and there weren't that many campers. The trail was quite hot in the exposed sections but water is abundant at frequent intervals with the active snowmelt filling the streams, and even running down the trail itself in many places. Plan on wet feet. Our golden retriever did fine on this, our second trip to Lake Ann, despite several difficult sections traversing over large talus slides and frequent sections with abundant scree. Smaller dogs might find it challenging. The dog did enjoy many quick dips in the various streams to cool off and had fun glissading in the small snowfields around the lake basin with the kids.
The almost full moon was spectacular rising next to Shuksan, as well as the reflection of the alpenglow on Shuksan mirrored in the open water by the outlet as the sun set (photo op alert!). We counted 12 (maybe 13) different species of wildflowers in bloom. The local air quality was excellent although there was a moderate haze to the Southeast from the fire near Stehekin. Views were stellar the whole way going and coming.
Can we get an "Amen!" for the blueberry lemonades at the Heather Meadows ski lodge cafe after our return!
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