"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
I took my family on this hike in early June and was most pleased. Seeing as I carry my 2 year old in a pack, and my six year old was walking, I found the trail easy to maneuver and it didn't tire out my 6 year old. The road to the trailhead still had some potholes in it, but it wasn't a problem if you drive slow enough to steer around them.
The trail weaves through lush forest with veiws of Merchant Peak at times. About 2/3 the way there is a log bridge with a hand rail that crosses the river flowing out of the lake - it added to the adventure.
At Barclay Lake itself we found plenty of access to the shore although when we arrived (about 1pm) most of the choice spots were occupied by hikers that arrived prior to us. During our stay, we saw a small avalanche coming down Mt. Baring which was a spectacular experience. The view looking straight up at the Mt. Baring face across the lake is awesome. I'd recommend this hike to novice hikers as it takes about 45 minutes to get there, and the elevation gain is very slight - about 400 feet.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.