FR 99 opened just 3 days before so getting here was a treat and the scenery and views phenomenal even thru some haze. It is nearly 3 hours from Portland coming from the Woodland Exit 21.  The trail is not challenging, open to sun with some vistas with the exception that close to the lake it is difficult to navigate and stay on course thru the alder brush. Watch your feet as the trail is well worn although the brush you have to push thru. The lake is glorious for a swim - clear, clean, nice sandy and grassy shoreline and we saw but one other hiker the whole way - at the lake. There was a little fish action at 4:30 pm. There are TONS of huckleberries all along the trail now! 

We were never able to reach the trail. FR 99 is closed due to a slide and snow so from Cougar you are unable to reach the trail head. I don't think you are able to reach the trailhead from Randle either.