| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
A very pleasant and close-in hike. Prepare to have company, however. It's proximity to Seattle and having the trailhead practically on I-90 can bring crowds. It is a dog friendly hike (they seem to be almost manditory!) The trail does have more than its share of roots and rocks but is otherwise plenty wide with a moderate grade. The listed mileage is one way and includes the 3/4 mile nature loop.
The hike is generally available from June - November. (I hiked it in mid June and there was a few avalanch chutes with snow that needed to be traversed and the last 50 yards or so was completely snow covered but you could see the lake from there so it was no problem finishing the snow covered portion of the trail.) There are a few blowdowns along the way but nothing that one can't fairly easily go under, over or around. (I brought my saw along and removed several of the easy ones :) )
Early season bonuses: 1) Lots of wildflowers. 2) Creeks running high which is not only beautiful but drowns out the interstate by the time you hit the second set of powerlines. 3) Smaller crowds - hit the trail early and midweek!
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