Lush old-growth forest; dark, mysterious forest lakes; and a wonderful chance to meet and see wildlife await hikers here. The trail sticks to a deeply forested river valley where it passes a wonderfully clear, cool lake--Greenwater--with good fishing. The route eventually reaches Echo Lake in a long 7 miles, but these miles fly by as you stride through the cool forest. Footsore hikers will love the soft, duff-rich trail tread, and Echo itself is a wonderful place to rest and relax before hiking back down the pretty trail. But for all that, few people visit, perhaps because the trail doesn't offer sweeping panoramas. The distant views may be missing, but the route is remarkably scenic and solitude is a high probability.

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.