Summary: we were able to get to the lake with just our boots and poles, no other gear required. Road is very rough and getting to the gate (.8 or so miles before the trailhead) still requires all wheel drive/clearance.
We arrived around 830am to two cars at the gate, good weather and clear skies. Note that the road is pounded down on each side (each lane) and there is a divider/median that is a lot of snow. Because a car was blocking the right lane, I took the left lane up and thought about my mistake halfway to the gate and decided to try to get over the snow to the other side. Bad idea and almost got stuck but was able to get back to the lane after lots of back and forth.
The road at the gate deteriorates into heavy snow that a huge 4 wheel drive truck might be able to get through (there are tracks) but I wasn't comfortable handling with my Forester. Parked at the gate and walked the .8 miles up to the trailhead.
Trail was very nice for the entirety, clearly packed down by snowshoers and other hikers. We brought poles and never felt the need for any microspikes or snowshoes all the way to the lake. There were a couple slippery sections and the periphery of the trail is suuuuper deep and risky so you'll want to stay focused with every step you take. I did step off-trail just a couple inches a couple times and sunk in, including once to my knee! But the main trail is stable to recover.
We got to the lake thinking we were the only ones on trail this morning, but there were two guys snowshoeing the perimeter of the lake! Even though I was sketched out by the avalanche risk, they confirmed no avalanche issues when they went around. On the way back out, there were quite a few groups of people, mostly non-snowshoers. The fresh snow really made this an easy hike today.
If you end up parking near the gate, please consider giving ample space for people to get out. I had a truck park two feet behind me and it took about 10 minutes to maneuver my way back onto the road because of the lack of clearance. Thanks in advance fellow motorists!
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