Summary:
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This hike takes you to a series of little lakes nestled below the awesome
cliffs of the Sawtooth Mountain ridge. The trailhead is along Forest
Road 8410. The trail begins in a relatively open area and gently takes
you to a more heavily forested area just above the first lake, Pothole Lake.
The trail descends to the outlet of Pothole Lake, then crosses on a fine
bridge before beginning a serious climb to the next lake, Bertha May Lake.
The trail gets a bit steep at times, but is well switchbacked. It is only
a short 3/4 miles from the trailhead to Bertha May Lake.
The trail then crosses the outlet to Bertha May Lake over a fine bridge,
and heads southeast toward the last of the three lakes, Granite Lake.
The trail gains elevation before reaching Granite Lake, then descends
to the outlet of the lake with another fine bridge for crossing the
outlet.
There are occasional views of Mt Rainier on this hike. No view of
Mt Rainier is poor, and these enhance the value of the hike. Pothole
Lake is more like an overgrown pond, but Bertha May Lake is more like
an high mountain lake, surrounded by cliffs. Granite Lake is the
largest of the 3 and is a great destination for a day hike and lunch.
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