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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Greider Lakes

Let's hike to Greider Lakes! 40 switchbacks! So much fun! CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (likely moving pace on this hike: 2.2 - 2.5). Note that it's possible this hike location could change due to conditions, so please be flexible. As of April 10 there are no trip reports from this year, but it is typically hikeable by late April according to past trip reports. We may find some blowdowns and a rough forest road.

Contacts

Ericka Mitterndorfer
Ericka Mitterndorfer
Primary Leader
Julie Cauthorn
Julie Cauthorn
Co-Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.6 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,035 ft
  • Pace: 2-3 MPH
  • 1 (8 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Wed, Apr 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  • Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Some notes from WTA: 

For those searching for alpine vistas and a solid workout, Greider Lakes is just right.  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. 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.

TBD.  We will plan to carpool from the Monroe P&R to minimize trailhead parking impacts.

Route/Place

Greider Lakes

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports