Getting a late start on a Saturday, the parking lot was full and just as many cars were parked along the highway. From that we expected to find a mob but it seemed like everyone was spaced out so they were not overwhelming. The day was cool and just perfect for hiking without working up a sweat. The trail is in very good shape with very few rocks and roots, no downed trees, and the grade is pretty gentle. There are a couple of muddy steps right at the trailhead but the rest of the way was dry. Near and at the lake, the forest service has set up multiple signs and ropes for vegetation restoration. Please respect them. At the lake the trail forks and most take the right fork to a large rock with great views of the lake and surrounding peaks. We could also see numerous (small) fish jumping and, if the light was right, swimming. From the rock, we backtracked about 200ft to the signed junction for a Tarn Loop trail that is highly recommended. You get some elevation above the lake for great views of the lake and peaks. The larch trees were a pale green color with a few barely starting to show their fall color. Maybe 2-4 more weeks before they are brilliant gold? On the return hike, near the Liberty Bell trail junction, we saw a mountain goat and her kid right on the trail. They headed off into the woods and when we next saw them they had climbed quickly up the hillside above us. Pretty cool. As an added bonus for the day we stopped at the Wildlife Viewing site west of Concrete where about 25 elk were grazing at sunset.
With the Tarn Loop adder my GPS read 5.3 miles for the day. No bugs at all, probably due to the cooler fall weather starting.
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