Long one for a day hike! Bring a lot of water or a filter, layers, sun and wind protection. Consider carrying traction like microspikes.
We arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 am on a sunny but cold Saturday. We weren't sure what the snow was like at lake, but I assumed there would be some accumulation due to last week's weather. There were about 6 or 7 cars in the lot when we arrived. No bathroom or trash at the parking lot.
The first part of the trail is full of beautiful red vine maples, and you get a whole mile to warm up on a nice rolling trail before the climbing begins in earnest.
Due to the snow melt, there are intermittent flowing water sources for the first 3.5 miles, as well as partway up the climb to the pass. There is also a stream between the pass and the lake. This could fluctuate depending on weather conditions. We brought a filter in case we were out of water by the time we reached the lake and that would be a wise choice should the weather be dry and warm over the next week or two.
One tree down within first 4 miles that requires a very low crawl by a short person/walk way down and around and back up for all others. There is a large tree down at the camp area around mile 3.5, with an easy walkaround.
The trail is often brushy between miles 1 and 4, but the tread is mostly dirt with some rock. The climb up the pass gets rockier and more technical in some places.
There was no snow on the trail until the top of the pass. However, the other side had 3-6 inches depending on the spot. We used mircrospikes going down, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. It just helped us move faster and more surely. We didn't need them again until we were climbing back up this section later.
The stretch of trail between the bottom of the pass and the junction with Icicle Ridge is sometimes hard to follow, look for the cairns. Larches are just starting to hit peak time, with some still lime green but many a brilliant gold. Trail was getting muddy on the way back from melting snow.
Last section of climb before the lake was surprisingly taxing. Lake Edna was surrounded by snow. It does get quite windy and cold. The toilet has a great view and is in good shape.
The way back was just as pretty with the views of the mountains and fall colors. Descending didn't really start killing the knees until the last few miles. I appreciated that even with the extensive elevation gain, it was spread out in sections, so there were some spots for reprieve. We saw maybe a dozen groups all day. The mileage and elevation gain seem to be a bit more than indicated.
Snow and ice may not be an issue following melting this week, but this will likely change quickly. We saw several backpacking groups headed up, maybe four or five? Assuming they intended to camp at the lake or near the pass given it was later in the day. Finished around 5:45 pm.
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