TLDR: quick day hike up and down to Round Lake. Fall foliage is in full swing in the subalpine. Trail texture ok; walk down to the lake and back up is tedious. Road is rough but doable.
Stats
Distance: 10.51 miles
Elevation gain: 4,236 ft.
Moving time: 4:29
My colleague recommended I hike Round Lake, so why not? The road was rough, but doable. My Outback handled it fine, but I imagine lower clearance vehicles would be ok too if you drive slowly.
Temps were below 40 degrees at the TH, so I wore my fleece instead of hiking shirt. After 1 mile I was hot as heck and regretting my decision.
There are a few blowdowns along the way, but nothing too tricky to navigate. Otherwise the hike is typical for western Washington: steep, wooded, and no views until the very top.
The hike down to and back up from the lake itself is tedious. There was plenty of rime ice on a shady ridge descending to the lake, so definitely bring trekking poles if you aren't sure of footing. Otherwise the lake was beautiful.
I saw only three other people the whole time, plus found a bunch of delicious lobster mushrooms on the drive in!
PS - pay attention to driving directions. I took a wrong turn and didn't catch myself until I was closer to Darrington than I was to the next paved road, so I spent waaaay longer driving home than I needed to.
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