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Quick Facts

Location: Sultan Basin

Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources

Roundtrip: 5.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,370 feet

Access: From Everett follow US 2 east to Sultan. At Milepost 23 turn left onto Sultan Basin Road following for 13.3 miles to a kiosk. Continue 500 feet farther bearing right onto FR 61 reaching the trailhead in 7.1 miles.

Notes: Register (no fee) at entrance to watershed. Dogs must be on leash. Road may be closed two miles from trailhead making for a four-mile roundtrip longer hike.

Contact: Washington Department of Natural Resources, (360) 856-3500; www.dnr.wa.gov

Green Trails Map: Index WA- No. 142

Not far from sprawling Spada Lake, the source of Everett’s drinking water, are two quiet backcountry lakes that make for one refreshing hike. The trail to them is short enough for an afternoon or early morning hike—but don’t expect to reach these little lakes quickly. The trail is steep in spots with some rocky sections. But it’s shaded all the way, offering protection from spring rains or summer sun. Most of the forest is even-aged second growth. The original forest succumbed to fire many years ago. Remnant charred snags attest to this.

Start by skirting the Reflection Ponds, two little insect-incubating wetland pools responsible for feeding area frogs, dragonflies, flycatchers, and sparrows. A side trail diverts left to circle the ponds and makes for a nice leg stretcher if you’re just out visiting the reservoir. The trail then quickly heads upward. After climbing 1,000 feet on 40 switchbacks over a course of 1.5 miles, the grade eases, the tread becomes more agreeable and old growth fills the backdrop. Little Greider Lake is reached after two miles of hiking. It’s a peaceful body of water surrounded by attractive forest.

Big Greider Lake is a half mile farther, and although it is only 35 feet higher in elevation, its surroundings are entirely different than the lower lake. Cradled in a mostly open bowl flanked by slopes of exposed cliffs and avalanche chutes, water crashes down off of the open wall surrounding it. And although Big Greider sits at an elevation just shy of 3,000 feet, it has the appearance of being much higher.

A spur trail takes off from Big Greider to open meadows above it. Much of the trail is overgrown, but a short way up it still rewards with views of the area. In springtime the lake basin is awash in wildflower colors. In autumn, ground hugging berry bushes set the landscape afire in red. And aside from the flora, the area is a good place for observing wildlife, too. Black bears sightings are fairly common. So, expect company in those vibrant berry patches.

For information on lodging and other attractions near the Greider Lakes, visit www.snohomish.org. For more information on trails near the Greider Lakes, check out my Day Hiking Central Cascades Book (Mountaineers Books).