This loop provides a nice variety of scenery in its short distance, and with minimal elevation gain. Gazing over the blue-green water, you'll see jagged peaks crowned with glaciers and streaked with avalanche paths, and even streaming with waterfalls. You'll pass through two distinct forest types–more open and sunny on the west side, and denser and wetter on the east side. In between is a broad, nearly treeless meadow where criss-crossed streams feed the lake from a glacial plain.