Another addition was made to the road opening list today. The road to the White River Entrance and White River Campground is scheduled to open Friday, May 22nd.
Photo of Mount Rainier from the Wonderland Trail's White River crossing adjacent to the the White River Campground on August 1st, 2024.
As is usually the case, the Stevens Canyon Road is opening in tandem with Highway 410 over Chinook Pass and Highway 123 over Cayuse Pass.
No posting yet about the White River Entrance and the road to the White River Campground, which usually opens on the same day at 410.
Photo from July 24th, 2025 from Faraway Rock. View of the Stevens Canyon Road as it weaves its way below Unicorn Peak and past Lake Louise.
Better sometime than never, NPS has updated the opening for highways 410 and 123. May 22nd is the big day. I expect minimal snow at the passes with hiking season on the high trails starting almost immediately. We'll see if my predictions are right.
Photo from along the Naches Peak Loop Trail, south side
May 10th update: The Greenwater Lakes trailhead remains basically unsigned about 1 mile beyond the Forest Road 70 junction with Forest Road 7030. The trailhead is in good condition with restrooms unlocked (but lacking TP) and the garbage cans emptied. Watch for numerous downed trees between the trailhead and my turn around point, the sign that indicates the trail is entering the Norse Peak Wilderness, which is just south of Upper Greenwater Lake. Only two were modestly difficult crossings, but everyone taking the trail should keep it in mind that they will have to do some vaulting and ducking. The river was very full today with the lakes looking more like wide spots in the river.
The trail was busy, but the trailhead parking was not full. Numerous small groups and one very large were heading back to the trailhead while I was heading upstream. On my return to the trailhead, I didn't see anyone heading upstream.
Trail description:
In order to get to the Greenwater Lakes Trailhead, find Forest Road 70, only a few miles toward Mount Rainier from Greenwater. Watch for a paved road on the left just beyond the fire station. Follow Road 70 for a little over 9 miles. Not far beyond Road 70's junction with Road 7030, there is a paved road on the right side of the road. At one point there was a sign at this junction, but in 2025 the sign was missing. If you end up at the end of the pavement, you need to turn around.
In short order, cross a creek, pass the trailhead for the Naches Trail, and arrive at a junction. Go left for a large gravel parking area designed for horse trailers or go forward to the main paved parking area with a few picnic tables and a privy. Display your NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) before you start your hike.
The trail starts out flat, drops, and then gains a few dozen feet of elevation, and then drops again to the riverside within the first 3/4 mile. The trail doesn't gain much overall elevation until just before it climbs to Lower Greenwater Lake.
The first crossing of the Greenwater River is actually a double bridge across two branches. After crossing the second bridge turn left at an old trail junction. Not far ahead, in the springtime, there is a decent-sized waterfall on the right side of the trail. Watch for a path that leads to it. It's a fun stop along the way, in season.
The next bridge along the trail is right before reaching lower Greewater Lake and after the previously-mentioned climb. It's sturdy and designed for hikers and horses. Follow along the shore of the first Greenwater Lake and then cross the Greenwater River again. Just beyond this crossing, a right branch trail goes to the privy and dispersed camping areas along with more lake views.
The main trail (left) follows the river closely as it flows across some lovely rapids. Next, another bridge crossing of the Greenwater River on a sturdy bridge. The trail skirts the edge of Upper Greenwater Lake, which may have access points depending on how high the lake level is.
Continue on, crossing Meadow Creek and the Greenwater River via back-to-back bridges at the southern end of Upper Greenwater Lake. After crossing the second bridge, go right. If you want to access the privy, or continue to Echo or Lost Lakes, make almost an immediate left and climb a bit to a side trail to the privy. The main trail continues less than a mile to the next trail junction. At that point, the left trail goes to Echo Lake while the right trail goes to Quinn and Lost Lakes.
Most people taking this trail have reached their destination: Upper Greenwater Lake. Instead of continuing on the main trail, head west through the forest to a dispersed camping area and lake access with views. Explore here if you feel comfortable or turn around and head back to the trailhead, watching for things you missed on the way upstream.
If you want more details on the route to Lost Lake, find that in another post 😄
Photos from May 10th, 2026
If only I would have checked before posting the previous picture from Round Pass! The Westside Road is now open to automobile traffic to the roadblock at Dry Creek.
Photo of Indian Henry's which can technically be reached from the Westside Road (2023)
Title. I know the rangers at Grand Teton have instagram where they post trail condition updates frequently during early season