What a payoff for your efforts!
I've heard this is the most hiked trail in northwest Washington and it's obvious why. In just three and a half miles of steady but mild incline, you arrive at one of the most picturesque lakes you'll ever lay eyes on. I almost don't even want to write this trip report. My photos don't do it justice.
It's a bit tough on the knees on the way down to the lake and on the way back to the trailhead... but with trekking poles it's completely manageable. I would recommend waterproof boots though.
We got to the trailhead around 8:30am on a Saturday morning that was forecasted to have rain. We were lucky, we didn't get rain, just plenty of early morning mist coming through the trees and filtering sunlight over treetops as the sun rose behind us.
As we made our way to the lake, the clouds cleared and blue skies emerged. I took photos of the lake during different times and from different vantage points and what a difference the shifting clouds make. We were a bit rushed for time on this hike, but if I were to return - and this is one of those hikes I will do again! - I would spend some more time hiking around the perimeter of the lake.
We were pleasantly surprised to see snow on this trail (we were just hoping for some early fall foliage!) but luckily were wearing waterproof boots. The rocks were slippery at times. Over the course of the hike, the sun emerged and started melting the freshly fallen and there were plenty of big drips coming off the trees. Bring a raincoat!
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