A bit of a different report as we experienced this trail under rainy conditions. Started the hike towards Lake Edna under a light, sustained mist mid-day on Friday.
Breaking the hike in 4 phases, started with a pleasant mild climb till the first river crossing (couple of open views facing south), then a steepier hike to the main bowl (under Grindstone Mountain) essentially under the trees, often one person wide trail with plenty of overgrown bushes, then you hike the bowl on its right side (amazing view of what avalanches can do to the forest), a very steep climb to come over the ridge (marmots and grouses) lastly the larsh / rocks "meadow" area. At least that is how we saw it. Plenty of opportunity to get water along the trail. Huckeberries and berries in general were ripped and plentiful.
We were soaked by end of phase 1, plowed forward, till the thunderstorms moved in at which point we decided to set camp 1/2 mile before lake Edna. Good move though, we got stuck in our tent through several thunderstorms, freezing rain and snow. We headed back the next day as the skies did not seem to want to clear up and the clouds/fog did not clear up. The hike down is a good workout.
Bottom line: do the hike on a clear day (as the other reports nicely show why) and if you want to give it a shot on a rainy day -> rain pants, rain gear, clothes changes are a good idea.
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