Hike #9: Greenwater Lakes Hike
What to expect
Sturdy athletic shoes are adequate for the Greenwater Lakes hike. If it has rained recently, however, people will appreciate regular hiking boots since there are a few places where the trail can get muddy. On the whole, however, the trail is as soft and gentle underfoot as the massive old growth trees are a solace for the eyes and spirit. While nearly every spot along the trail provides a scenic setting for a picnic for the weary hiker, most everyone who shows up will make it to the Greenwater Lakes. Hikers will cross six log bridges in the process. The first two bridges have handrails on either side. The second two bridges have handrails on one side only. At these places parents of small children should exercise extreme caution. Anyone who tumbles into the river is likely to be swept away. If any bridges were replaced after being damaged by winter storms, the bridge descriptions given here may have changed. The best place to see the swampy first lake is shortly after crossing the second footbridge. People should attempt to get this far, at least. The second lake is only a quarter mile farther and is well worth the extra exercise. The official turn around place is at bridges five and six. It takes two bridges to cross the Greenwater River at the eastern side of the second lake where the river enters the lake. The view from the two bridges is quite lovely and intensely peaceful. People love to picnic at this spot and play in the stream where it enters the lake. Bug repellant might be a good idea for anyone wishing to linger over a long lunch and fun in the stream. Anyone who hikes beyond this point will shortly enter the Norse Peak Wilderness Area from the opposite direction that parish hikers use to gain the summit of Norse Peak. How to get to the Greenwater lakes
Drive through the little village of Greenwater. When you have gone 1.1 mile past Greenwater, you will see Forest Service Road number 70 (FS 70) branching off to the left. Take FS 70. Several other Forest Service roads branch off from FS 70, but stay on FS 70 all the way to the trailhead. You will wind up a steep, wide, paved mountain road with no passing possible. The average speed on this road is 20 mph. Eventually, you will see a sign that says Greenwater Trailhead 1/4 mile. That's for us! So turn off FS 70 once you reach the short spur road (7033) going into the trailhead parking area. Parking to the left is designated for horseback folks with their large horse trailers. Foot hikers should drive straight ahead to their designated parking spot. The Greenwater Lakes hike requires one $5 hiking permit per car. Permits can be purchased at Wapati Woolies in Greenwater (along with your favorite Starbucks Coffee). |
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The Greenwater Lakes hike is a popular one for parishioners of all ages. The trail is easy and wondrous in every aspect. Even the road to the trailhead is wide and paved. And, for the timid, there are large toilet houses at the trailhead. Some years, winter storms cause the log bridges needed to cross Greenwater River to wash away. This hike will be offered only on years when the bridges are not only in place, but are also safe. Many of the old growth trees that line the trail are at least 200 feet tall. And the lakes, while small and shallow, provide a great location for a hiker's picnic. Less active hikers will rejoice in the fact that the trail only gains 300 feet in the two miles to the Greenwater Lakes! All the while, the trail follows the course of the happily noisy Greenwater River as it tumbles over boulders and log jams.