The natural log bridge at the beginning of the trail is in good condition to cross right now, just be sure to carefully test logs before putting your whole weight on them - some are more stable than others.

The next few stream crossings in the Chiwawa floodplain require some improvisation. The fresh snowmelt has made for abundant water in the lower parts of the valley, but we managed to find creative routes across each stream (waterproof boots helped too).

After climbing a ways the trail is covered by snow, for the last mile or so. We were able to find our way up, following bits of trail as it appeared and staying close to the creek. The lake is still mostly frozen over and we had a cold wind to keep us company at the top. 

Hiked up to Schaefer with a group and stayed overnight at the Lake. Initial river crossing was definitely doable. Log boom went all the way across so we didnt need to take off our shoes. There were a couple swampy areas after the river which were a little tricky. Boots and long pants highly recommended as you may have to step in the swamp a bit, and the mosquitos were everywhere for the first mile or so. No mosquitoes after the first 1,000 ft elevation gain. Last mile was mostly on snow. We did it without spikes though. Amazing camping spot at the top without any snow. Very cold though. I can see why folks usually wait until July. 

Solo day hike to Schaefer Lake on Sat 10/12/19. Roads were fine getting to the trailhead - doable in any vehicle. Only one other car in the parking lot when I arrived. I hit the trail around 12:30PM. The brush on the trail was overgrown in a lot of places, but still manageable and never really lost sight of the trail. About 3/4 mile in you have to cross the Chiwawa River, and there are two options - 1) wade across the river in the "horse crossing" trail, or 2) maneuver across a large log field. I chose the logs (just to avoid stopping and changing into river sandals), but the wading would have been pretty easy. There was a shallow and manageable path through the water.

The first mile or so of the hike was pretty mild ... lots of dense forest and large trees. But after that ... it was lots of up. At the two mile mark I passed a couple coming down ... they were the only others on the trail on this day. There were a BUNCH of fallen trees down across the trail (I would estimate ~15 trees) ... but most were very easy to pass over. Around 3-3.5 miles in there began to be traces of snow on the trail ... but it never got more than an inch or two.

"Little Schaefer Lake" was beautiful, with peaks and larches in the backdrop. Just 5 minutes from there was Schaefer Lake. Very serene, peaceful, beautiful. Nobody else there. Zero bugs. Just a few fish were rising (I had zero luck with my fly rod on this day). Very relaxing to fish and have lunch there. Looked like there were several nice camp sites.

I departed around 5PM. Should've giddy-up'd a little earlier, as the last mile back was in the dark with my headlamp and made it a little trickier going back across the log pile.

Overall, GREAT hike. This is a gem.

This trail has a nice variety of terrain and it is pretty. You must cross the river using either the horse ford or the log ford. There is an easily missed wooden sign hanging on a tree just before the river crossing on your left showing the direction for either crossing. We forged the river using aqua socks/shoes. Apparently the log crossing is doable but the logs are slippery. Crossing the river on this day was not difficult. On the return trip, the water had risen to knee height. The current wasn't bad. 

There are beautiful old trees at the start of the trail. As you go further, there are parts of the trail that are overgrown, some downed trees that require you to climb over, under or around to stay on the trail and steep sections that aren't too long. There are a few scattered boulders and mossy green waterfalls and creeks that are pleasing to the eye. Dogwood trees and berry bushes are starting to turn colors. There were a few larch trees on the distant mountain sides. The fall colors will be better in a couple of weeks. 

After walking through pleasant woods, the views open up around 3.5 miles. As you near your destination, Little Schaefer lake comes into view. It was calm and so pretty. There didn't appear to be much of a shoreline so we headed a little further to Schaefer lake. At the larger lake it was windy and chilly. Our plan to float on the lake was abandoned after feeling the chill in the air. Genetian were plentiful but hidden around both lakes. There was a nice variety of mushrooms particularly in the lower elevations of the trail. The vegetation around Schaefer lake was very interesting. Lots of different plants to look at.

We only saw a few people. It was extremely quiet. Aside from a hawk, a couple of birds, squirrels, dragonflies and a frog, wildlife was absent. The mileage is estimated to be 9-10 miles. I think this hike gets little use from hikers. This adds to the pleasant solitude of the trail but I think it would benefit from some light maintenance next year after the snow clears out and the river is safe to cross. It's worth keeping this trail accessible. 

Arrived at 8:30am to the trail head just behind a party of six. Very easy walk across the stream- mid ankle deep (we used the horse crossing and not the log crossing). At about 0.75 miles in (very overgrown, valley vegetation just past the old growth trees),  we stumbled across a yellow jacket nest right in the middle of the trail- dog was stung twice. Caught up to the party ahead of us and two of their party had been stung as well. Watch out!

Trees down across the trail were no big deal. Multiple streams/water access. Occasional blueberry still present. Lovely camping spots all around the lake and pond. Caught a few fish, saw lots of pika, a ferret, western toad. Maybe only 10 other people around the lake fishing as well. Mosquitoes and flies around, but not too terrible- with Deet, ended up with about 8 bites. 

Plenty of fish left in the lake- fun adventure and worth exploring.