Having read several trip reports I knew to expect a bunch of downed trees on this hike. My question was just how bad are the downed trees. Seems like someone jokingly said to expect 15 before getting past Greenwater Lakes and 55 after.
Note: I am 78, so my agility and eyesight are not like they were 5 years ago. I am a lot more cautious and can't jump from log to log. So, if I can do it then most others could as well.
I counted 9 (or 10) downed trees between the trailhead and the last bridges across Greenwater River after Greenwater Lakes. Of these, only one was a little difficult. First picture shows the downed tree across the trail. There is 3 foot or so gap under the tree, but I preferred to try another way. I was able to go to the left of the picture and go over the tree.
Between Greenwater Lakes and the junction to Lost and Echo lakes, there were a few downed trees but only one that was tough. Also, this is where the only patch of snow still remained that could cause concern. The snow on the trail picture is shown as picture 2. I did cross to the left of the snow, on soft dirt, but it did take some care, as the slope is steep.
Picture 3 is of the downed tree that I gave up on. I tried to climb above the tree and get around it that way and could have made it but decided to turn back. So happens, a group of 9 hikers came along and went directly over the tree. I saw how then did it and followed them for the next mile, until they turned around at the worst down tree section of the whole hike. For that tree, I went off trail and was easily able to hike around it.
Between Greenwater Lakes and Echo Lakes were around a dozen downed trees that required extra effort to get past them. For a few I found a way around, some went over and a couple had me on my knees, crawling under.
There was one, that I stopped, got out my little saw and cut branches to make it easily. You won't need to worry about that one, except don't hit your head on the tree.
Picture 4 is a tree that when going to the lake, I found a way around the tree, going thru some branches and brush. On my return, I got down and went under it through the branches.
Yes, there are some downed trees but in reality, they are not that bad. They are mostly spread out.
Pictures and annotation of the hike can be found on my Facebook page. Link is provided.
Comments
Thanks for the great trip report! It sounds like some maintenance has occurred in the first few miles. It's good to have an update on the conditions.
I also tried the upper way around the log in your third picture and ended up sliding back down to the trail on the other side. On the return, my son showed me how to get over the log directly.
Posted by:
Rolan on May 08, 2026 09:08 AM
On trying to go around that blowdown, I went as far as sliding down in the soft dirt. I could have, but chose not too.
Posted by:
Old Rod on May 10, 2026 11:43 AM