5 miles to the lake but 3800 ft of elevation gain to do it. The lake is also about 1k ft drop from the top of the trail so you have to gain elevation both directions. Gorgeous area though and a lovely permitted backpack (so you know you won't be crowded out)

Born and raised 1989 and I too recognize 2017 as the year the smoke descended.

I was aware of wildfires and knew of them occurring in the region but we never had summers where smoke and ash was a part of our lives until recently.