
Trip Report
Greenwater, Echo & Lost Lakes
A trip to Echo Lake on an overcast day was peaceful and had an unexpected delight as two river otters put on a show in Upper Greenwater Lake.
- Tue, Jul 30, 2024
- Greenwater, Echo & Lost Lakes
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Two years ago some of the bridges on the way to Greenwater Lakes had become pretty sketchy but WTA has been working on this trail. All of the bridges have been repaired or replaced.
The weather was overcast with a few morning showers which meant only our party and the WTA work crew were on the trail in the morning. The trail to Greenwater lakes never fails to impress first-timers with its beauty. Past Greenwater Lakes the trail to Echo Lake is lovely all the way. The lunch on the shore of Echo Lake was slightly marred by mosquitos. On our return trip, we were treated to the delight of two river otters playing at the outlet of Upper Greenwater Lake. It was the first time anyone in the group has seen otters in the wild.
The hikers who have hiked to both Echo and Lost lakes took a survey on which is the better destination. Lost Lake won by a bit. The trail to Echo lake is beautiful the whole way and offers a more of a workout but the lunch spot isn't quite as beautiful because a wildfire killed most of the trees along the lake shore. The trail to Lost Lake is very nice and offers a short side trip to Quinn Lake which has a unique blue-green color. The clincher was that the wildfire miss Lost Lake and makes the lunch spot more enjoyable.
There are signs that the lower sections of the trail are often used by stock. However, it is important to remember that it is the stock trains that are hauling in all the equipment and supplies to rebuild the bridges.