Beginner Recommendation for a hike 2-3 hrs drive from seattle and has a freshwater lake?

Hey guys! Yesterday me and my friend attempted colchuck lake but we ended up turning back around at the last half to full mile before the lake since the people coming down said it would probably take another hour (after the 3.5 hours we already did) and we would’ve run out of time to get back home for our overnight jobs. Is there a hike with a freshwater lake that isnt as intensive/steep as colchuck? This was our first hike and we are definitely feeling pushed out of our limits.