This trail is in good condition, rocky in places on the old road, with plenty of water and shade on a hot day. Some water on the trail past Nordrum Lake interception, marked well with kairns.
Hike through old-growth size western redcedar and yellow cedar growing side-by-side, look for shaggy vs. fibrous bark, pointy vs. round leaf scales, and smooth aromatic vs. sharp leaf scent. Some Pacific yew growing in the understory and even purple violets on wet rocks. In the open forest just below the lake, ferns and trillium are poking through the old bracken fern, matted down by the recent snow. Trillium flowers in shades from white to purple to maroon. Avalanche and tiger lily will bloom here soon, spring comes and goes fast.
The lake seems quiet once you pass the rushing outlet, some trout patrolling the shore line, Cascade frogs calling and the longing call of the hermit thrush. Campsites and toilet are free of snow, a perfect full moon over the lake, and cold and clear lake mirror lake at sunrise. This is a beautiful place, leave only foot steps, take only photos.
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