Greider Lakes — Thursday, Jul. 2, 2020

Really nice little conditioner in an area I'd never hiked. A very similar hike to Lake Serene in style and structure: easy approach, one steep section, then gorgeous cirque with lake views. Thirteen-mile drive from Sultan is mostly pothole-free. First two miles of the nine-mile round trip is an easy-peasey, well-maintained gravel trail up to gorgeous Spada Lake. Take some snaps then veer right toward the Greider Lakes trail. You'll immediately begin a 1.5 mile stair-stepper climb to the top of a ridge. Warning: it is mud-bog city right now - large sections of nearly impassable water and muck, broken stairs, and you guessed it: mud. Luckily, I was testing some Nepal Cube mountaineering boots and walked on through, but I would not recommend trail runners. But don't be deterred; just wear boots. This section is steep, 40+ switchbacks, but very doable even without poles if you're in decent fitness. Once you reach Little Greider, it's a simple .5 mile amble to Big Greider. Completely worth the push for the views. Camping spots available. A little buggy in July by the lakes but not if you're day hiking. Poles recommended for the descent but not mandatory. Saw maybe four hikers all day on a week day. Nine-mile round-trip, 1,750 gain, around 2 mph ave.