Ever since I've stumbled upon this hike on WTA, I've wanted to go and see this beautiful cirque for myself. Another enticement was the lack of crowds, but this also came at the cost of less trip reports. Of course a new one was added right before my hike, as timing would have it :) Tip: read trip reports for Lost Creek Ridge to get additional info, as this is the trail you take to get to the ridge above Round Lake.

Road: The unpaved portion of the Mountain Loop Highway is gravelly, but easy driving and suitable for all vehicles. The last few miles on FR 49 have more rough sections of potholes and rocks. I think a sedan could make it by driving carefully. I was happy to have some clearance on my Mazda CX-5.

Trail: I love this trail! It's long and steep, but very well-graded and mostly on dirt. I found it comparable to Mount Dickerman (just longer). Some parts were narrow and had vegetation overgrowth - good to have pants on after it rains to protect against the brush. There were also lots of downed trees, but all were navigable by either stooping under, stepping over, or using way paths around. Would be a bit more annoying with a backpacking pack. Attached is an image of one of the trickier trees - had to go up and around because the trunk was too width and smooth for me to attempt going over. 

The trail after Bingley Gap is on a ridge, and views soon open up. Huckleberries, the last few wildflowers, and hints of fall color also began here. I loved this section! I hope to backpack here one day and explore along the ridge more to Camp Lake/Lake Byrne.

After the views open up, there is soon a split on the trail. I veered left to the overlook of Round Lake. Content with the views from above, I decided to have this be my turnaround point (Gaia clocked this hike as 9.85 miles, 4,259 ft, so a bit shorter than the WTA stats). I didn't linger long, as the ridge felt cold with the breeze, shade, and my sweaty clothes haha. The way down was uneventful - just watch your step, there are some bits of the trail that are narrow and above steep slopes. Nothing feels sketchy though! Loved going down on dirt switchbacks rather than something rocky. No smoke/haze the entire day.

Crowds: About 10 cars in the lot/shoulders when I arrived at 9:15am on Labor Day. Saw 11 groups total throughout the day, the majority of which were backpackers. All encounters were brief - trail was full of solitude and incredibly quiet aside from the occasional creaking of the trees (no wonder there are so many downed trees on the trail...). Counted about 13 cars at the trailhead on my return ~3:15pm.

I've done enough steep grades this summer, that I was actually excited for switchbacks. Which is not to say this trail isn't steep, because it must certainly is, but it could be far, far worse and the payoff vistas are well worth it.
The first bit of trail has had a lot of recent work, so it's in fantastic shape with trimmed edges and new bridges. The rest of the trail isn't bad either - a few trees to duck under and step over, but nothing too treacherous. Other than that, it's worth nothing that things are getting quite dusty at the end of this beautiful, dry summer, but the trail is easy to follow and in good shape throughout. Note that there's no sign that I saw for the lake turnoff, but the way is fairly obvious and well-trod.
Wildflowers have given way to berries and the berries are plentiful and delicious once you hit the ridge. Bugs are mostly minding their own business except for the one yellowjacket that got me, but I won't let that one taint the rest. No issues with the road, though the parking area was quite full this Labor Day weekend. Saw quite a few returning campers and a handful of other dayhikers.

We had a beautiful day at Round Lake today. Wildflowers blooming, bugs not too bad (hardly had them on the trail, only once we got down to the lake) and only saw two other groups the entire time. If you’re up for the elevation gain highly recommend this one! Gorgeous views once you get to the ridge and of course the lake.

We also saw a WTA work party installing new wooden bridges at the start of the hike- thanks to the WTA for keeping our trails in good condition! 

Road Condition: Both the unpaved section of the Mountain Loop Hwy and FSR49 are in moderate condition. Some potholes and larger rocks, but passable by low clearance vehicles provided you are driving slow and paying attention. 

Trail Condition: The trail Lost Creek Ridge to Round Lake is in good condition. There are some trees in the trail that require some going around or stepping over. Slightly difficult with a backpacking backpack on. The trail down to Round Lake is steep and becomes more like a boot path than a trail but easy to follow if you are looking ahead and paying attention. There are a couple very small snow patches on the way down. 

General: We did an overnight backpacking trip. What a fantastic trail! The hike up to Bingley Gap is a lot of switchbacks and a lot of up, "Holy Switchbacks Batman!" was the theme of heading up. But well worth it once you reach Lost Creek Ridge. You get great sweeping views of the the Valley and many peaks (including but not limited to Mt. Baker, Mt. Pough, Sloan, Glacier, etc.). Wildflowers are in bloom and more to come! Vaccinium deliciosum will be ready soon so make sure you are bear prepared and ready to do some foraging of your own. There are a few small snow patches still around the lake but otherwise, it is snow free.