Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,900.00 ft (579.12 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
14.00 mi (22.53 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Sometimes a trail can be a destination in and of itself, and the Greenwater Lakes Trail is a perfect example. Starting from the large parking lot, the wide trail winds through an old-growth forest of hemlock, fir, and cedar as it parallels the Greenwater River. It is a fast 2-mile hike with minimal elevation gain to Greenwater Lakes, a pair of small, shallow, and marshy lakes that are popular with local fisherman. There are quite a few nice campsites and fire rings scattered around the lakes and along the river. This quick day hiking destination is a great choice for families with young kids or hikers looking for a half-day outing.

If you plan on enjoying a longer day, proceed to Echo Lake. Continue hiking around the Greenwater Lakes and cross the river a few times using the beautiful log bridges. The trail gets a bit steeper after the final log bridge. Follow signs that indicate the main trail, as some side trails lead down to campsites, and soon you will reach a split. Follow signs for Echo Lake as you hike along the mossy trail that follows the rushing river. At about 2 miles from the split the trail starts to get a bit steep, switchbacking up the side of the mountain. Once at the top you will begin your descent into the lake basin, and at 7 miles from the trailhead you will reach Echo Lake. Don't be surprised to find other hikers there in spite of the 7-mile hike. Fishermen work from the bank and backpackers fill the campsites. This is a great lake for swimming in the summer. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Lakes. Streams. Trailhead is easily accesible. Well maintained.

Cons

Crowded. Multi-use trail.

Trailhead Elevation

2,200.00 ft (670.56 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Old-growth forest

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/27/2016
Bridge is still technically closed but is crossable, great day today lots of friendly people
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