Greenwater and Echo Lakes
Last modified
Feb 21, 2010 07:11 PM
Greenwater Lake. Photo by Alpine Art.
Leave the trailhead and hike into the moss-laden forest, following the Greenwater River upstream. The trail is quiet and damp--even in summer--providing soft footing for those hiking in shoes other than boots. As you hike up the trail watch for any sign of critters. Deer and elk browse through this valley, and where there are deer and elk there may be cougar, coyotes, and bobcats. The trail crosses the Greenwater River three or four times before reaching the long, shallow Greenwater Lake at about 2 miles. Then for the next 3 miles the route maintains a slow, easy ascent of the valley. At 5 miles the climb steepens substantially. For 1.5 miles the path switchbacks up the valley wall before tapering off into a smooth, level glide into the Echo Lake basin at 7 miles. This pretty forest lake offers great swimming, sunning, and general wilderness R & R. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the beautiful basin before heading back down the trail. Recent Trip Reports
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Greenwater and Echo Lakes
— Mar 06, 2010
— Plecebo
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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We got started a bit late in the afternoon leaving the parking lot around 1:00 PM. Reading previous reports we...
We got started a bit late in the afternoon leaving the parking lot around 1:00 PM. Reading previous reports we expected to run into snow and ice but we wanted to see how far we could go before the snow became a problem.
I'd estimate we made it maybe 2 miles passed the junction for Echo/Lost lakes before one too many "almost" slips turned us back. As other reviewers have mentioned the forest is thick in that area (and the air still quite cool) so I imagine it will be quite a bit more warm weather before the trail is free from the ice. We met some people on horses who said the Lost lake trail got bad sooner, so keep that in mind if you are heading that direction. The snow and ice didn't really come into play for quite a long time however and we enjoyed very much the trees and multiple stream crossings. We encountered about a dozen people all together, some with dogs, some on horses, but the trail never felt crowded. This was our first time on the Greenwater/Echo lake trail and we will definitely be coming back later in the season to check out the Echo valley. Or perhaps we will bring the nieces/nephews along for the easy hike into Greenwater lakes. With our short stop near the large campsite by the river for lunch we made it back to the trail head around 5:30. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Greenwater and Echo Lakes
— Feb 19, 2010
— mbrockus
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Returned to this trail today to hopefully make the full trip to Echo Lake. All was going well and the...
Returned to this trail today to hopefully make the full trip to Echo Lake. All was going well and the tree that was blocking the path a short ways in has been removed. THANKS! The trail was in great shape until about 5 miles into the hike. There was considerable ice and snow on the trail that warranted turning back. Even with the amount of warm weather this area has experienced it will take some time for it to become passable, as that area does not get much direct sun.
Greenwater and Echo Lakes
— Feb 13, 2010
— mbrockus
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns
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I had gotten a late start so I limited my travels to Greenwater Lake only. The walk through the old...
I had gotten a late start so I limited my travels to Greenwater Lake only. The walk through the old growth was an absolute treat. The trail itself is in very good condition. There is one tree across the trail not far into the hike. Be careful if you choose to step around the tree as the soil is fairly loose. On the last footbridge just before getting to Greenwater Lake , it is missing part of its handrail. My entire hike up was in solitude but on the way out I did come across a few late day hikers. This is a great hike for everyone. I look forward to returning and making it up to Echo Lake.
Day hike
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Greenwater Trail 2-9-10
FS Road 70 is SNOW FREE all the way, no ice even.. so strange, but cool at the...
Greenwater Trail 2-9-10
FS Road 70 is SNOW FREE all the way, no ice even.. so strange, but cool at the same time. Arrived at TH at 8:30 and headed out. I need to use this snow park pass I bought and get my money's worth. Today was my 3rd time using it. They are making out this year since they don't have to plow any roads.. But I did notice improvement at TH, new sign and maps for the taking. So that was nice. The trail is in great shape, only one new log to get over. No snow or ice on trail until you reach the junction for Lost & Echo lakes. Then it's a small patch of ice about every 100 feet or so. I turned around after about a mile. Someday I will get to one of those lakes.. I tried for Lost lake today, but it was dark and cold in the forest, so I elected to turn back to get some more sun. The second lake was so pretty and the sun was shining and beckoning me to come back. I took a ton of pics today, some good some fair. Lighting was good at times. I arrived back at the BIG camping spot next to the river and saw a couple of people, and said hello, that was all I saw all day. When I arrived back at the 2nd lake I laid on a log in the sun for 10-15 mins just soaking up all the vitamin D I could get as the rains are scheduled to come back soon. It was such a stellar hike today! So peaceful, quiet, birds were singing to me. One of the coolest things came when I was almost to my car. I looked down and saw something white like cotton, and it was this cool hair ice formations I've seen from a nwhiker's tr's. There were 4 pieces of it on little twigs right next to the trail. Very unique and I almost missed it. It was 30 degrees when I started today and 42 when I finished around 1:00. Day hike
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Greenwater Lakes Trail 11-12-09 Hike #93
I've been sick for a week and laying around so today was the day to...
Greenwater Lakes Trail 11-12-09 Hike #93
I've been sick for a week and laying around so today was the day to get off the couch and back to the trails! I'm almost to my goal of 100 hikes this year.. I know I can do it! Top 10 reasons why I love Greenwater Lakes Trail Trail is so soft under my feet, seldom ever see anyone, water fall, lakes, old growth forest, mushrooms, bridges, creeks running beside the trail, easy access from FS RD 70, it's great in any season. I could go on but I said top 10.. I arrived at the trail promptly at 9, FS RD 70 is icy in spots but overall not bad. I only white knuckled once. I had the trail all to myself till I was coming back, only one other soul out today. It was 28 degrees when I started. I packed along my snow shoes but didn't need them. If I hadn't packed them it would have dumped snow I'm sure. I enjoyed every moment of the trail today, savored each tree, I took video of my journey today. New camera, you know how that is.. youtube here I come.. I finished up and got in my car and slowly drove the 10 miles out, on one of the blind corners I saw a car overturned. My heart pounded.. I put on my flashers and got out to see if anyone was in the car.. I couldn't see in it was so dark inside the car cuz it was flipped, I yelled and tried to open the passenger door w/o luck. The car was still running, and I smelled gas. I was 90% sure nobody was in the car. I headed down the road and hoped for the best. There is no cell service at this point. Soon I saw a young girl, she was walking with her dog, she flagged me down, I told her to get in and I was here to help. She was in shock and I didn't know the extent of her injuries. I tried to remain calm, and get her to help. I drove her to the fire station but there wasn't anyone there. She called her boyfriend and I took her to him. I just hope her injuries are minor and muscular. Really glad I could help, wished I could have done more. Video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBWhvThAQkg |
Driving Directions
From Enumclaw drive east on State Route 410 (Chinook Pass Highway) to the small town of Greenwater. About 1 mile east of the Greenwater Fire Station (at the eastern end of the community), turn left (north) onto Greenwater River Road (Forest Road 70). Drive about 9 miles, crossing the Greenwater River, and turn right just past the bridge onto FR 7033. Drive up this narrow road about 0.5 mile to the large trailhead parking lot.
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