Greenwater and Echo Lakes, Maggie Creek & Arch Rock — Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

This lollypop loop starts at the PCT from Rd 7080 past the Greenwater/Echo Lakes trailhead. The trail is a bit hard to see, but you will see a gravel road and just to the left of it a small trail with a PCT sign. You go through several patches of ripe huckleberries and then into the shade of the forest before coming out to Government Meadows and the PCT shelter located there. The shelter is a wonderful structure and there are privies there for use. Follow the PCT south past some breathtaking views and amazing orange sandstone? formations, until you get to Airplane Meadows on your right. I recommend cutting through Airplane Meadows so you can see the remains of an old plane and then through the field to the trail sign post. The trail is easy to follow for a bit, but then gets lost in the fresh grass in a smaller meadow. Head toward the rocky ground to the right and see the trail heading left into the forest. Here you hit some very cool basalt rocks as you steeply descend down toward Echo Lake. The water was freezing even on a hot day, but perfect for cooling the feet. The next turn off, just 1.8 miles from he trail junction at Echo Lake is very easy to miss, but you should turn off to the right onto the Maggie Creek Trail # 1186. This trail is a bit rough, especially as you get further along - trees across the trail, water crossings, etc. Work your way back up (the trail gets nice again the last half mile as you approach the PCT) to the junction you had passed earlier in the day just a mile south of Government Meadows and head on back up to your car.