I have to wholeheartedly agree with Kelsey's review on Alltrails about the area of tree fall and options for going around. We saw survey flagging around 3.5 miles in and tried taking the main trail first based on a hiker we passed coming down. He thought the alternate looked too steep. It was a total pain to get past the tree fall and to the next switchback.
We then saw a couple of hikers above who had recently passed us on the way up and they told us to take the alternate routes. Sooooo much better and faster! A couple of steep boulders at one spot but overall not too bad. This from a 57 y.o., 6-2, 275# out of shape guy.
I think the alternate routes bypassed 4 or 5 of the southernmost switchbacks in total. It was hard to tell from looking that some of the main trail was even there from the amount of tree fall. (See pictures for proof.)
Overall I liked the lakes and am glad I made the trek, but I doubt I would do it again. The trail was wide open and easy to follow, but once you get to the uphill portion it is nearly all small to medium boulders and stones on the trail or tree roots galore. You have to visually place so many steps going up AND back down that is makes for a very slow pace. Normally gravity is my friend and I can get downhill at a good clip. Not this trail. Holy schmoly! WTA says it's a "rough" trail and they aren't kidding!
But hey, hiking in the Casacdes on a lovely Wednesday beats working any day of the week.
Other things to note.
- Lots of mosquitos. Bring something to fend them off. I use a 30% Deet and it works great. I smell like a chemical factory but I'm a Gen X'er so there ya go.
- There were quite a few flowers blooming and some cool type of water lily on the lakes. Gave the lakes a very Monet vibe.
- There was a big Salamander on the lower portion of the trail near the reflection ponds. I reported it to WDFW after trying to id it as it appears to be an "At risk" species. I think it was a Cascade Torrent Salamander? (See picture)
Stats (For your amusement)
Mile 1 - 24:18
Mile 2 - 27:26
Mile 3 - 46:14
Mile 4 - 84:25 (The Tree fall stretch!)
Mile 5 - 48:22 (Not including a break for lunch at Big Greider)
Mile 6 - 51:11
Mile 7 - 43:22
Mile 8 - 27:41
Mile 9 - 25:56
Overall time hiking 6:15:00ish
Comments
mato on Greider Lakes
I've done this hike at least a half dozen times now, and each time I ask myself the same question - "Why am I doing this again?" It's a boring road walk, followed by gnarly switchbacks, and the lakes really aren't that scenic.
Great. Now I'm thinking of going up there again.
Posted by:
mato on Jul 03, 2025 06:30 PM