Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Greenwater and Echo Lakes
Featured In:
Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region,
by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer.
A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails. 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.
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. Recent Trip Reports
Hiked here recently?
Submit a trip report!
There are
132
trip reports for this hike.
See all trip reports for this hike.
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
This was an enjoyable hike past Meadow Creek, but we did not reach the section where the trail splits between...
This was an enjoyable hike past Meadow Creek, but we did not reach the section where the trail splits between Echo and Lost lakes due to ice on the trail. Basically ice was the word of the day; having landed on my butt at least a dozen times during the trip. My own fault since in my hurry to get out on the trail, I neglected to pack chains for my boots. The weather was sunny and the temperatures in the low 30's, so the weather was very pleasent for this winter hike. Elk tracks on the trail, but other than that we had the trail all to ourselves.
Day hike
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
it was a sunny day out so i decided to take the wife for a short hike. no problems...
it was a sunny day out so i decided to take the wife for a short hike. no problems on the trail, they cleared the trees that were blowndown in the spring. saw two people fishing on the lower lake. wish i would of did this hike a week or two earlier and would've go to see more fall colors.
Day hike
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
Did my old "standby" hike today. When I don't want to plan where to go, this is it. Weather was...
Did my old "standby" hike today. When I don't want to plan where to go, this is it. Weather was not supposed to be great and this is a good one, even in the rain. I was the only here today. Trail was muddy and soggy in most places. There are a couple of rotten out spots in the bridges, so watch out. But the one bridge that was broken for years is fixed, so that was a nice to see.
Saw a falcon with fish in talons that was cool, saw him fishing on the way out too. Nice reflections and a tiny bit of fall color is left. But it's looking more and more like winter. Won't be long till the snow falls. Just another great hike!
Greenwater and Echo Lakes
— Aug 17, 2011
— C Witcher
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Bugs
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
I had intended for this hike to be an overnight and it turned into a day hike. The trail was...
I had intended for this hike to be an overnight and it turned into a day hike. The trail was in great condition. All the downed trees were cleared and there were only a few muddy spots (easy passable sans muddy shoes). Wildflowers are on their last leg but still present. Baby ducks on Echo.
This turned into a day hike because I arrived at Echo and as I started to set up camp I was swarmed by an angry mob of mosquitos. As I scrambled to change into long sleeves and pants I easily received 30 bites. I threw my clothes into my pack and headed back towards the car. Legs are a bit sore after 14 miles with a 25lb pack, but the hike was still quite pleasant most of the way :) Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Mudholes | Bugs
Expand report text
Hide report text
Read full report
with photos
I had never been up to Echo Lake before today and became somewhat curious as I approached the trail head...
I had never been up to Echo Lake before today and became somewhat curious as I approached the trail head at 9am and found it nearly packed full. As the day went on, I discovered that many of the car owners had hiked a few miles down the trail the night before and camped. The trail was good for that, as numerous camp sites sprouted out from little social trails all the way to Echo Lake and all the way around it.
With the exception of two or three very small muddy spots, the trail itself is in great shape. The bridges were all in great shape. It seems that a lot of work has gone into maintaining this trail. Thanks! The Greenwater lakes are reached at the 1.5 mile mark. The first one is a bit smaller, but well worth a gander. The second lake, larger, is also worth a few moments of enjoyment. There were people swimming here as I stood and watched. It does look cold. brrrr As for water, the river, of course, plus several little creeks feeding it made access to water plentiful. It is just about the 4 mile mark when the climbing gets a bit more difficult. The trail climbs a respectful 1200 feet in about 1.5 miles; reaching 4100 feet before descending about 300 feet into the lake basin. The lake was somewhat crowded with campers, fisher people, and us day hikers. It appeared that campers were sharing spots and the fisher people were working the rods all the way around the lake's banks. I hiked to the far end of the lake and kept going for about a half a mile before turning around and heading back to my car. |
Greenwater Lake. Photo by Alpine Art.
Map it
|
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
Forgot your
New user?
