Beware of the Rug: Greenwater Trail, 2022

Monday, June 27, 2022

Greenwater Trail, 2022

Trail sign

When we were here about the same time last year, we thought the water was high and running fast. This year there was more snow, late snow, and cool days stretching into summer. The result was even higher water, lots of river roar, and the partly broken bridge was really broken. A sign at the trailhead said the trail was closed at the bridge, 2.5 miles out. We had already decided that the bridge would be our turn around due to the broken railing from the year before so it wasn’t going to be a problem. This year there were little creeks to ford, more mud, and the flower selection was different because of the late Spring weather.

There are 3 or 4 bridges across the river on this trail. The first bridge with a torrent of water rushing under.

This creek crossing had rocks to hop and keep feet dry

The running water at this creek crossing was not deep and we just walked across

The water under this board walk was overflow from the river and is not always this high.

Lots of mud

Bonus in the form of a small waterfall

Water creeping up on trail

First of two Greenwater lakes. We were unable to reach the second lake due to the broken bridge.

High water had pushed these downed logs into a jam near where the lake empties into the river.

Our turn around point, the broken bridge.

One more recent trail report said crews had started the work of replacing this bridge. It used to be a level log bridge with a sturdy railing and steps on each end. This time the near end had rotten, broken wood. The far end had tipped up making the stairs on that side more or less useless and would require a huge jump down or stretch up on the return. The river was running too high and too fast for most people to even attempt crossing. The trail was officially closed at this point. Farther along there is another bridge that has been closed for at least a year.

We did not see as many flowers as hoped.