A friend, his 11 year old son and I wanted to beat the rush so we left on Friday to head up to Echo Lake. The fsr 70 was washed out a mile from the trail head, however, the temporary dirt road was open. It takes you up and around the washout, then meets back up to the main road. On the trail the views were outstanding! The river this time of year is just spectacular! I wished I had a nickel for all the WOW's the three of us uttered each time we rounded a corner and were greeted by another eyeful. The trail crosses the river no less than 7 times on well maintained log bridges. The Lake is ripe with 8 to 9 inch trout (though we gave them all back) still fun to catch. The hike back down the next day convinced us our plan was right on, as we passed a steady stream of hikers going up to fight for the spot we just left. For the first overnighter of the year, this is going to be tough to beat!

Echo Lake & Lost Lake This was my first time hiking this trail and I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like a walk through old growth forest. Trail to Echo Lake is in great shape. There is a stretch of snow where the trail tops out before descending to Echo Lake, but don't let that stop you -- the descent is clear and the lake makes a great lunch or camping stop. Plenty of active chipmunks and mallards around the lake to provide entertainment. Snow is heavy at the other end of the lake where the trail continues on to Corral Pass and I turned back since I had no idea where the trail is supposed to be. Decided to check out the Lost Lake area and found the trail to be in good condition as well. Some brief stretches of snow on the way to Quinn Lake but it is worth slogging through to check out Quinn Lake which is spectacular. Snow gets increasingly heavy past Quinn Lake. Didn't quite make it to Lost Lake since I turned back when it started pouring rain. Talked with some folks later on the trail who confirmed that there is snow all the way to Lost Lake...and that I was only about 5 minutes from the lake when I turned back (I hate it when that happens!). If you are out on this trail early, watch for elk around the lakes on the first 3 miles or so of trail.

Headed out from the Greenwater Lakes trailhead in a slight drizzle. Trail is in great condition and is a gentle grade until the Lost Lake/Echo Lake junction (3+ miles). Followed the Lost Lake trail for an additional 2+ miles passing Quinn Lake before calling it a day and turning back. The snow above Quinn Lake is melting fast, but is still heavy in places. Quinn Lake was a brilliant emerald green and snow free. Looks like it's going to be a great summer hiking season. Play safe.