Green Lake Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The continuous steep grades on this trail make for a great workout. On warmer summer days, this trail offers a cool, shaded atmosphere.

Green Lake is one of the park's most serene mountain lakes. It is surrounded by forest, but offers partial views to the south of Tolmie Park.

To get the trail, follow the Carbon River Trail from the Carbon River entrance. Just over three and a half miles from the trailhead, the Green Lake Trail leaves the road at Ranger Creek. From here, the trail leads through a forest of massive old-growth trees on its ascent to the lake. The trail climbs gradually at first but becomes steeper as you go. Well-built switchbacks make the ascent easier on the legs and canopy gives good sun protection.

One mile from the trailhead is Ranger Falls, where Ranger Creek cascades over solid bedrock. The trail is currently missing the sign for the side trip to Ranger Falls, but the signpost remains.

Beyond the falls, the trail ascends another 0.8 miles to Green Lake. When you pop out at the lake, you'll be greeted by its emerald waters and picturesque reflections of Mt. Rainier towering above. The maintained trail ends a few yards from Green Lake and has lots of logs that allow getting right to the water without mud. The lake is encapsulated by a sheer wall of old growth trees, giving it a unique feel.

Eight hundred year-old Douglas fir trees can be found along the route to Ranger Falls.