Greenwater and Echo Lakes

Visit a trail where rushing rivers, placid lakes, and wild forests line the trail.

The Greenwater River is your constant companion on this hike, winding with you through cool, old-growth forest along this quiet path to two basin lakes. As you walk, watch for the deer and elk that make this area their home.

This trail is also used by equestrians, Horse fords for crossing the river are clearly marked with charming wood signs. Be sure to share the trail accordingly!

From the trailhead the hike begins on a very wide, gentle trail. The first two miles to Greenwater Lakes is almost entirely flat, helping to quickly pull you deeper into the forest. Expect to cross a half dozen bridges along the way as the trail follows the path of least resistance up the river valley.

Before long, you’ll find yourself at the first of the Greenwater Lakes, which tends to feel a little more like a widening in the river than a true lake. A few campsites can be found here if you follow small side trails around the lake.

Continue to upper Greenwater Lake just beyond the Norse Peak Wilderness boundary. Here the trail temporarily leaves the banks of the river and the forest transitions away from alders and vine maples toward old growth firs and cedars and the crowds begin to thin. Past the wilderness boundary the trail hits a junction with Lost Lake Trail 1185, heading up to the right. Continue to the left towards Echo Lake.

Now the grade becomes more challenging as the trail climbs a ridge above the Greenwater River. Near the top of the rise the Maggie Creek Trail 1186 splits off to the left. Keep climbing to the top and down the other side to Echo Lake. Here the path can be very narrow with steep drops on one or both sides so please use caution!

The forested shores of the lake do not offer huge views, but there are plenty of campsites as well as places for swimming, sunning and relaxing along the lake. From here, if you’re looking for a longer, more challenging day, you can continue onward to Noble Knob and Corral Pass.