Hiked Lake Ann yesterday in search of larches, but wanting to skip the crowds at Lake Ingalls, and it was a success! We got to the trailhead at 9:20am and had to park 0.6 miles down the road on the side due to heavy traffic at the trailhead. Once we turned towards Esmerelda Basin instead of Lake Ingalls the crowds dwindled considerably. Esmerelda is a gradual and easy hike.

The turn up to Lake Ann involved more of a sustained climb, but still very doable. Once we got over the crest of the saddle the larches came into view. They are in full swing right now, but they should last for a bit because some of them were still tinged green. We got back to the car at 2:30 after having lunch at the lake. By the time we were driving back there were cars parked a mile to a mile and a half down the road due to the heavy Lake Ingalls traffic. I was a beautiful day for a hike and we barely felt any smoke at that elevation, although it was visible on the horizon. 

This little jewel is a great alternative to Lake Ingalls. Great views-Daniel, Hinman, Glacier, and Van Eps. Whether day hike or overnight, this hike is sure to be a good time:) GPS: 9.8 miles/2560'.

I hiked this trail YEARS ago when the wildflowers were blooming, so I was excited to go back -- but without the flowers, I don't think it's an especially beautiful hike & not worth the 2.25 hour drive from Seattle. It lacks the lushness that most trails on this side of the state have, the trail can be quite rocky & it's a lot of up up up without the beauty to motivate -- a pretty average hike in my opinion. We added on Lake Ann and that section of the trail was more scenic and had much better views, our favorite part. Regardless, it's always nice to be out walking in the woods! We clocked 9 miles and saw a pika. Always love stopping at Twin Pines on the way back for a milkshake.   

Arrived at the trailhead at 9am on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The lot was full and cars were parked about a quarter mile down the road - however, all of them must've been headed to Ingalls because we only saw about 8 people on our way up to Lake Ann. Road in is fine, a little washboarded but manageable. Toilet was not stocked when we arrived but had TP when we came back - thank you to all those who keep our trails and trailheads in good shape!

The trail itself is pretty well maintained, though that last mile or so in and out of the lake basin is tough. Very steep and rocky, slippery in places, you'll be wishing for switchbacks, but it's not too long and it is worth it for the view up top of Tahoma. Lake Ann is fun too, it's small and shallow (but VERY cold) so it'd be good for kids and dogs. We were just there for a day hike, but there was plenty of camping space available. No bugs! I didn't even end up using the spray I bought, and I'm really sensitive to mosquitos. Overall a great day, enjoy your hike too! 

Daisy and I got our Lake Ann fix today. We were supposed to have another person and dog hiking with us for once but that was canceled at the last minute so it was just the two of us. The parking lot was nearly empty when we arrived around 8:30. We only ended up seeing 2 other people, on horses, all day.

No complaints about anything other than the bugs at the lake were a little annoying. They were biting flies. I was just about to put some spray on myself when the wind picked up enough to make it much more tolerable. There were no bug problems while moving on the trail itself. 

Trail is good, just a few small trees to step over and a decent patch of mud. There are still ample water sources for the pups so you won't really need to bring much extra until those dry up. It was hot on our way out, and keep in mind that the dirt also gets hot in the sun just like the pavement and can burn paws, so be careful. 

There are still some wildflowers hanging on and I saw some thimbleberries starting to ripen. 

Daisy had a blast living her best life at the lake, swimming and playing in the tiny glacial snow that is right there on the SW side of it. She was cracking me up. And then all the sudden she was ready to go, and got her ball and started hiking out, with or without me! Lol. She is very strong willed. 

We headed out a little before noon I guess after having some snacks. It was a fun, but lonely day. My truck didn't die though so I am very thankful for that.