What a pretty lake! Glad you didn't encounter them up close and personal on the way back. That must have made the return trip a lot more spooky for you, I would have been paranoid around every turn that they might be hanging out along the trail somewhere!
Glad you got to enjoy such a pretty place. Maybe next time you can do the upper one as well!
I was definitely more aware on the return trip, first hour was extra cautious. No sign of any bears whatsoever!