Greenwater Lakes via Greenwater Trail #1177

Begin the trail among huge trees in the mossy forest. From the trailhead, the hike 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, is larger and has a beaver lodge at one end.