Greenwater Lakes via Greenwater Trail #1177

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Greenwater Lakes Trail is a small portion of the larger Greenwater Trail #1176, specifically a segment from the northern trailhead to Echo Lake.

Horses are allowed on the trail so you'll notice multiple horse fords along the way. The best time to visit is April - November.

Begin the trail among huge trees in the mossy forest. From the trailhead, the run begins on a very wide, gentle trail. The first two miles to Greenwater Lake are 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. The first waterfall is at a quarter mile and water views continue along the way. Moss and ferns soften the cliffs that are reminders of old volcanic activity.

The first lake is about 1.5 miles after the trailhead. The lake is cold as the river passes through the lake. This lake 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.

Upper Greenwater Lake is another 0.5 mile along the trail, just beyond the Norse Peak Wilderness boundary. Upper Greenwater Lake is larger and has a beaver lodge at one end.

Douglas fir and cedar. In the spring, trilliums, wild ginger, and yellow violets.