We got to Obstruction Point trailhead about 1020 and there were quite a few other cars but we were able to find parking. We started on the Grand Valley side of the loop and then came back via Lillian Ridge and Badger Valley. There were quite a few parties backpacking to Moose or Grand Lake I’m not sure how difficult it is to get a permit. We just did a day hike. I would recommend the direction we took for the loop as you start out on the ridge overlooking all the mountains and then descend to the lakes basin getting a lovely diversity of scenery on the way down. The alpine scenery just from the drive and parking lot is incredible and it gets better as you ascend.
Wildflowers are really taking off down in the meadows, with abundant columbine, paintbrush, bluebells, Columbia tiger lily, lupine, and monkey flower among the many species we observed. Moose and Grand Lake have gorgeous camps and mosquitoes were very minimal for the time of year. Moose Lake was not too cold for a swim and made an excellent lunch stop. The way back up over Lillian Ridge is a big descent crossing creeks before gradually climbing through some old growth followed by incredible meadows. The Lillian ridge side of the loop is definitely more overgrown and has more mud and downed trees but nothing difficult to cross. The creek descent was the only buggy part of the trail. We saw a few dozen blacktail deer, Olympic Marmots, butterflies, chipmunks, hermit thrushes, and lots of bear sign but didn’t actually see any. Great trail and worth the adventurous drive over Obstruction Pass road. Make sure to go to the left on the final switchbacks to the trailhead instead of to the right unless you want to add quite a bit of sidehilling and backtracking to your hike. I was glad we went the correct direction.
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