Wow. What an experience.
Came up here to take in Larch Madness.
Was up here the 8th of October. Got an early arrival so napped in the car until day light. Which I'm happy I did. Was able to park at the trailhead. Where there is a toilet.
Be sure to bring your forest service pass. Or pay $5 a day that can be purchased at the trailhead.
Headed up to the lake at sunrise. By then, the parking lot was full and people had started parking out on the highway. Made our way up. Not too many people.
Got to the lake and it was amazing. The views were breathtaking. The trees, water, the mountains. Was spectacular.
Now. The way down was completely different. It was literally a conga line up the mountain. Hardly any breaks. The trail is narrow and the correct trail etiquette would be giving up hill folks the right away. But we'd never get down if we didn't go first.
Finally made it back down. Legit took longer to come down than the hike up and lunch at the lake. Wanted to use the bathroom before leaving. Waited in line. Took forever. Upon getting my turn. The TP was all gone. There was maybe 11-13 rolls when I arrived that morning. Thank God I have some in my pack.
Got to the car. Way more cars parked in the lot than the lot could hold. Meaning people parking in dirt and non designated parking spots.
Pulled out on the highway... hundreds and hundreds of cars. Almost a solid line of cars from Blue Lake to Maple Pass and Cutthroat and beyond. If you arrive late be prepared to add a few extra miles to your hike on Hwy 20 before getting to the actual trailhead.