I went for a morning hike around Cedar Lake and the vista points above the lake. This was my first time to this trail, and I was not disappointed. The Parks Department does a very good job of keeping the trails clear after a long winter/spring rainy season. Only three cars in the parking lot when I started at 7:30 am. I passed the first person walking their dogs soon after I started. I did not see anyone else on the trail until I came down at about 11:00am. About five small groups were going up.
There is a port-a-john located at the trailhead. It was in good (useable) condition.
The original logging road from which the first mile or so was constructed must have used trucks with a low gear. It is fairly steep for a local trail with a constant upward grade and a few switchbacks. You have to go about 1/2 mile before the sounds of the interstate fade into the background. Overall, from a hikers perspective, this trail is in very good condition. I found a couple trees on the ground near Cedar Lake but all were easy to step over.
The problem with a morning hike in this area is the extended presence of fog or low clouds off the sound. I walked out on two of the overlooks above Cedar Lake, and was lost in a cloud. No views today. Maybe in the afternoon would be better for this location.
I chose to make a loop trail by going up the spur trail that goes to an overlook above Cedar Lake. I then went around Cedar Lake and back towards the trailhead. I skipped Pine Lake on this visit. There is a very pleasant bench at one of the camp areas on Cedar Lake. It was a great place to have a morning snack and look out over the water. I would bring mosquito repellent in the summer season. The area around the lake is very wet, and I am sure the marshy areas produce a good crop of bugs.
From a hikers perspective this trail is very easy to hike and poses no obstacles. I do however recommend that the first 1.7 miles up from the trailhead be put on the Park's maintenance list. The trail is not sustainable in its current form. Ninety percent of the wooden water bars diverting water off the trail are NOT functional. Both the discharge drains are plugged and the logs were too short to cross the trail. Water easily goes around the structures and is quickly eroding the trails. Most of the the trail is already cupped (keeping water in the trail) and there are several sections that are starting to form large trenches. Once the trenches form, it is very difficult to repair the tread in the present location.
Enjoy the hike. I also find it convenient to go over to the Fairhaven area after a hike. It has a number of restaurants and specialty shops for an after hike snack.
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