Don't you dare stop at one of the Greenwater lakes. Keep going until Echo lake which makes it 14 miles round trip but you will be rewarded with a beautiful spot to stop and have lunch, swim, camp.

Just remember kids, BRING A FUCKING JACKET and some basic survival gear. Don't be like these poor dumb dead bastards:

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=255918

Always bring the ten essentials. Always.

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Flashlight/headlamp (be sure to have an extra set of batteries that fit your flashlight/headlamp)
4. Extra food (enough for one extra day)
5. Extra clothing
6. Rain gear ( jacket and pants-always carry rain gear even if the sun is out)
7. First aid supplies (be sure to include an extra day of any medication you are taking or might need in an emergency)
8. Pocket knife
9. Matches (stored in a water tight container in addition to matches or a butane lighter)
10. Fire starter (can be candles, chemical fire starter, backpack size fire logs)

by beginning, you mean kids, or gapers?

because i take gapers to gothic basin, so they never want to go on a hike again.

i like uncrowded trails.

This trail is awesome. Watch your pets though, the river is extremely fast right now, and the banks are steep on most of thi trail. Dogs have drowned here...
Have fun, be safe!

This is an excellent hike, I did it two weeks ago. Get there early for the eagle and various "other" animal sightings. Please do not bring your dog. Buy a northwest forest pass for day use $5 or risk the $134 ticket.

Thanks for posting this. It makes me remember that I sometimes miss the Seattle area. This is the first Slog post ever that has done that.