A pair of scenic lakes is tucked in an open cirque awash in avalanche greenery and streaming with cascades that tumble down shiny rock ledges. Visit in late spring for the flowers, late summer for the berries, or late autumn for a last hiking hurrah. But no matter the season, keep your senses keen for Ursus americanus, for he's as fond of this valley as you'll soon be.

Start by skirting the Reflection Ponds, two insect-incubating wetland pools responsible for feeding area frogs, dragonflies, flycatchers, and sparrows. A side trail diverts left to circle the ponds and makes for a nice leg stretcher if you're just out visiting the reservoir.

The trail quickly heads upward, steeply at first on somewhat rocky and rooty terrain. Traversing slopes that succumbed to fire many decades ago, you'll see blackened snags punctuate an even-aged canopy of maturing second growth. After climbing 1000 feet on forty switchbacks over a course of 1.5 miles, the grade eases, the tread becomes more agreeable, and old growth fills the backdrop.

At 2 miles, come upon the forested western shoreline of Little Greider Lake (elev. 2900 ft). Look across the placid lake to the herbaceous eastern shoreline, where it's not unusual to witness a critter or two. Continue hiking past appealing campsites, crossing Greider Creek on sturdy planking and emerging into more open terrain.

Next climb a scant 30 feet or so, passing above a small set of tumbling falls to soon arrive at Big Greider Lake. Quite a contrast from Lower Greider, in addition to being much larger, Big Greider's environs are much more dramatic and rugged. Flanked by slopes of exposed cliffs and avalanche chutes, cascades crash from above into the lake basin. Scoot yourself down on one of the large smooth logs lining the lake outlet and savor the scene.