So it's a nice place to visit, but meh. There's nothing too special about the lake. It doesn't feel too adventurous. The trail, on the other hand, is plenty adventurous.
The first few miles are straightforward and ones we've followed plenty of times before. Cross the creek (flippity flops FTW!) and suddenly it's a different experience. While the trail on the first side of the creek is wide and well-trod, the other side is narrow and twisting.
Up to the split it's level, but when the folks heading to Joe Lake continue along the valley, the trail to Alaska Lake turns steeply up. The trail sees few boots so it's a little rough, but easy to follow.
The lake is a fine lake, but it's only just fine. If only we'd found the trail that ascends to the PCT it would have been great. Instead... meh.
