I started on the trail at 7 a.m. and was one of the first to arrive at the lake. Once at the lake, I continued to follow the trail around the lake. If you go to the Heather Lake, make sure to walk around the lake. It's an easy mile or so walk.
Overall, I'd say the trail was hard. The first mile of the trail is well-maintained, however. It is compacted gravel with wooden staircases. The second half of the the trail is more difficult.
The first half of the trail passes through forest. The evidence of ancient trees line the path. These trees were cut down. Huge stumps seven or eight feet across tell us that there was a very ancient forest with monolithic trees here before they were cut down. The trail climbs consistently.
The second half of the trail because more difficult. Parts of the trail are steep with masses of roots and rocks on the pathway. The trail winds all over the place. On five or six occasions, I had to stop and look hard because I didn't know where the trail went. It went around the bend, up slick exposed rock or turned where I wasn't expecting. In a few cases it looks like it goes right up a creek channel. I was reassured only by the presence of man-made boardwalks.
There is a fallen tree across the trail that requires climbing over on the upper part of the trail.
It took a little over an hour for me to get to the lake. While I was there the sun was spilling over a ridge and lighting up a mountainside. Then, a bank of fog rolled up and fingered its way across the trees and lake creating a dreamlike scene. It was gorgeous!
I walked an easy trail around the lake, which was probably a mile. It's a little overgrown in places, but totally worth walking. I recommend it.
I would recommend using hiking poles, especially for the trip down. There are sections that require stepping down two feet and the mass of roots and rocks can be difficult for some to navigate. Poles will help.
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