This trailhead is located in the Sultan Basin Watershed, within the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area, managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. This is a special designation to protect ecologically significant areas.
You'll drive right up to the shores of Spada Lake and traverse two flat miles to reach the old trailhead. Once you reach the old trailhead, the climb begins. You'll be huffin' and puffin' as you conquer 40 switchbacks, gaining over 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles. The trail is rough, too — be sure to have good boots or hiking poles to help with the ascent (and descent, too).
The trail evens out after the fortieth switchback and you'll be minutes away from the shores of Little Greider Lake. Big Greider Lake is less than a quarter mile beyond that. Make sure to pack a hearty lunch; you'll be needing some replenishment.
The edge of Big Greider Lake is an ideal lunch location, replete with a stunning view of exposed cliffs and jagged peaks across the lake.
Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS 2 Hike - Greider Lakes
This hike visits two scenic sub-alpine lakes near Index. Led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph).
Contacts
- Sat, May 18, 2024
- Seattle Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Challenging
- Mileage: 8.6 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,035 ft
- Pace: 2-2.5 mph
- FULL, 3 on waitlist (9 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We encourage everyone to carpool. We will meet at the Bothell Park and Ride at 7 am: 10303 Woodinville Dr.; Bothell, WA. Round-trip mileage from the park & ride to trailhead is 84 miles.
Bothell Park and Ride to Sultan is about 30 minutes. The drive from Sultan to trail head is about another 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Sultan turn left at the traffic light east of town past milepost 23 onto Sultan Basin Road. Follow this road for just over 13 miles. At 13 miles is a turnout to your right, with a kiosk. Stop here to sign in and get your free permit for parking. The paper you sign asks you to acknowledge that you understand the rules and regulations for visiting Sultan Basin, which is Everett's public water supply. Please read it carefully before signing and continuing.
Straight ahead, the road forks. Take a right onto Forest Road 61, following signs to Greider Lakes. In 7.1 miles, you will reach the trailhead. Privy available. Discovery Pass required.
We will start our hike at 8 am.
This is a wonderful early season hike. However, we will almost certainly encounter snow at the top. Trekking poles and/or micro-spikes are highly recommended. Trekking poles will also be helpful on the step descent and with a few water crossings (though we will enjoy two newly-installed bridges on the hike!).
Notes from WTA:
Required Equipment
Ten Essential Systems
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)