Hi K,
I personally think Sept. is the best time to hike. Fewer (if any) mosquitos, fewer people, less water in the creeks to cross, and lower chance of rain/thunder storms. The days are a bit shorter, but I doubt you will have a problem, particularly if you descend the main trail. Finishing up in the dark is not a problem, and you will likely finish before dark in any case.
The road repairs were originally planned in three sections. I have not seen anything as to what the order will be, but I have to think that the area around the portal will be finished prior to Sept. Saving this area until "last" means some risk of early snow, and not finishing the project, which is why I "guess" it will done sooner.
Steve, do you have any info on this?
"If" (perhaps a BIG IF) that is the case, parking "should" not be a problem since roadside parking "should" be available. This also means that you "might" be able to drive up to the portal the day before your hike, and hike up to LBSL in preparation for your hike. This allows you to "scout" the area, get a good idea as to the route, and check the time reach the E-Ledges, making your trip in the dark much easier. There are a few "false" trails that look more inviting than the actual trail, so some care must be taken. They will not lead you too far off route before becoming obviously wrong, but still time and energy wasted. Some folks do the E-Ledges in the dark, although it is not my choice. If you leave the portal at 4:30 or 4:45 you should be at the E-Ledges at 5:30 or 5:45, just as "Nautical Twilight" begins, and no longer need the head lamps. That likely means that you will be at Iceberg lake by 9:15 or 9:45. Up the chute, and on top by 12:30 or 1:00. Depart by 1:30, and back to your car by 6:30 or 7:00. Even if these times are optimistic by 30 to 60 minutes, you still finish before dark.
