Greider Lakes

  The weather report was sketchy for the hike to Greider Lakes so we decided to try it anyway. Take Sultan Basin Road north off of Highway 2 which is east of town for 17 miles. The first ten miles are blacktop then the last 7 are gravel. DO NOT forget to stop and sign in at the little registration shelter on your right along the gravel road. There is a big sign to remind you. This is a requirement to park in the Spada Lake Water Shed Area which is own by Snohomish PUD.
  After taken about three hours to get to the parking lot we headed down thru a small section of trees near the big Greider Lake Trail Sign to the old forest road that is now closed to traffic permanently from what I am hearing. We turned left and hiked two miles northeast down this road to the trailhead. There are some nice views of Spada Lake along this section of road before the trailhead. The trailhead is on your right but signs are hidden by shrubs so look for the old bathroom and large gravel parking area. You will see a sign for Boulder Trail on the east side of the parking. I remind you not to go any further then this sign. You are now at the Greider Lake Trailhead. Just a reminder that the Boulder Lake Trail is closed due to unsafe bridges.
  The Greider Lakes Trail is just to the right of the old bathroom with the broken door. The first quarter mile of trail is overgrown but still easy to find your way. I do recommend that you wear rain pants and coat while walking through this area because if there is water on the bushes you will be soaking wet before getting out of the overgrown area. This trail climbs pretty steady and is similar to Lake Serene Trail with not quite as many steps. I recommend walking sticks to help your balance in areas. The trailhead is at 1600 feet and the lakes are at 3,000 feet so you will gain 1400 feet in 2.5 miles
  You will find some magnificant old growth Hemlock and Cedar along this trail. The two lakes are very close together with numerous camping spots along the lake. The trail is overgrown some along the lakes also so wearing rain pants will help keep you dry.
  Some previous trip reports exagerate the condition of this trail to a point that viewers may choose not to go. There are about eight trees across the trail and all can be crossed under or over without significant problems. There are only about 22 culverts pipes removed along the 2 mile forest road and only about 13 have water running through them and all can be crossed by adults relatively safely but make sure you have water proof boots and walking sticks to steady your balance. Our party was all over 50 years of age and we had no problem getting to the lakes even in the rain today. Parts of the trail do have erosion but not enough to loose the trail or stop you from navigating around it. I would say the trail IS NOT children friendly and is a long 9 mile hike for younger kids. Older kids need to be watched to ensure they and everyone else gets through the several rough spots together.
  There was some snow patches at the top that you need to watch out for if you walk across the top of them. I would try to walk around them. We post holed up to our knees in several places but the trail is never out of your sight. It is easy to find even with the snow patches. The trail is in fair condition for a trail that has not had much work done since the closing of the forest road two miles from the trailhead. Unless you are a novice hiker with minimal experience, children say under age twelve or small dogs you can easily navigate this trail to the lakes. Go check it out. Checkout my videos of this hike or one of the 180 other hikes on my youtube channel at lmm3181 or click on these direct links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD96mg_mgO0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2Suy_1NZ8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELvPiJifQyw
  A thanks goes out to Kathy who was my new hiking partner on the trail today. Regardless of the rain I still enjoyed the hike and the views at the lake.
  Enjoy your hiking and get out and see this great state!
  Take Care
  Mike