This trail is a great option for a moderate climb on a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing trail, with fantastic falls and plenty of spots to refill water on the way up to a lovely lake to lunch or overnight at. And even with many groups enjoying this perfectly clear, warm day, the dense brush around the lake shore with interspersed access along the waterline ensured it didn't feel crowded.
We woke late on Saturday, having slept through the alarm. Instead of rushing out, I decided we'd wait for the noon shift change and got to the trailhead ~1 PM. Turns out this was perfect as several spots in the main lot had opened; likely morning hikers and backpackers departing.
There's a lot of stairs on this one, but the key is to keep in mind that most of the climb is done between miles 2-3. When you emerge from the trees onto a talus slope for the first time, you will know the hard part is over.
My twelve-year old complained a bit on the way up ("can't believe you forced me to hike....never hiking again....") but when we got sat on some rocks right on the lake shore, had our sandwiches for lunch, got our shoes off and waded out into the water, she had to concede, "OK this is pretty fun." I'll take it.
Watched lots of fish jumping and flipping out of the waters to nab some low-flying bugs. Could be a great spot to catch.
There are still two blowdowns as noted in previous reports: one is a log you can walk across or detour around through a bit of mud; the other is a small tree angled over the trail -- taller folks can step over and the not-so-tall can easily crouch under.
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