Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to Exit 54/Hyak/Gold Creek. Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road signed Gold Creek. At about four miles, turn left on Forest Service Road 4934. Park less than one-half mile down the road and then walk to the gated road and the trailhead on the left.
Trail Notes: The first part of this hike say the first 40-60 minutes depending on your pace is through second growth forest which is about 10-15 years old. This part of the trail, especially during this time of the year can be quite warm during the days sun. Just keep that in mind, personally I didn't have a problem with it, but Carl was quite affected by it. At any rate on the up side this part of the hike offers the chance to see some very nice wild flowers that clearings of this type offer.
Once you have made your way to the trees the whole personality of the trail changes. The first thing I noticed was the cool temperatures offered by the trees. That and the undergrowth changed radically as you would expect. The trail meanders up the rest of the slope towards a saddle. I say meanders because the grade of the slope is quite benign though it is quite enjoyable. After about 20-30 minutes you arrive at a spur which takes you to Lake Margaret. Being particularly interested in Lake Lillian I opted for that and coupled with the relatively flat nature of the trail the vote was affirmed. Little did Carl know what was to come, but I am getting ahead of myself.
From the fork to Lake Margaret the trail continues along quite pleasantly for about 30-40 minutes along very level traverse below Mt. Margaret. During this time I did keep and eye out for a spur leading up Mt. Margaret but did not notice one. Along the traverse there are several spots offering very nice views to the West overlooking Snoqualmie Pass.
Eventually the trail begins to descend to the North East. As it does so it is possible to spy Lake Lillian off in the distance tucked into the hillside. As the trail continues to loose elevation the growth gets more deciduous and the air more humid. At the bottom of the slope are the twin lakes though they aren't very big. The first of the lakes is particularly small and the second probably not much more than a couple feet deep, though it did offer an excellent time to take some pictures and enjoy the scenery.
The trail continues on now in this valley as it were for about another 10-20 minutes where the going is quite nice (without bugs thankfully). Then abruptly the trail changes and the grade become steep. Fortunately these steep, almost using hand steep sections are quite short. After climbing the first of these you might be thinking you are almost to Lake Lillian - such is not the case.
It was at this point that Carl had had enough and began his return trip. I continued on knowing the lake couldn't be that far away. Only about another 30 minutes as it turned out. These 30 minutes though did offer some challenges in the sense that there were times when the going was easy and there were a couple section where the trail is quite steep. Don't let the topo fool you there are some steep sections. I look at it like they spice up the trip after all it does actually cause you to think a little.
Eventually the trail yielded as it almost always does and I arrived at the lake. I wasn't disappointed it is very beautiful. The lake itself appears fairly deep as there really isn't much shoreline - the surrounding hills just seem to run into the lake. To get to the far end of the lake and the abandoned mine located there take the trail around the North East side of the lake. At first this is a little tricky since you have to work your way around some steep rock on a steep incline. Noting serious, but just be careful. After you cross this section the trail mellows and you can work your way around the lake. If you are staying overnight I would advise making your way to the very North end of the lake as there is a nice meadow located there.
Feeling pinched for time and not wanting Carl to have to wait too long for me after having lunch on the ledge overlooking the lake I turned around and took off. The return trip was uneventful; I caught up with Carl at the edge of the trees above the second growth. One thing to keep in mind if you are contemplating doing this hike is that the area is relatively popular so don't expect solitude! Have fun!
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