The weather report suggested that Thursday, August 6 would be a cool, clear day; perfect for hiking. Four CONC members agreed with Eric Ness, so they all hiked up Soda Creek and over to Green Lakes via the Todd Lake and Broken Top trails. The cool weather certainly made the hike easier, but the clouds never fully cleared out, limiting views of the peaks.
The group’s 8:30 start meant that all found parking spaces at the popular trailhead, and were at the last creek crossing before Green Lakes by noon. This was a perfect lunch spot, with the brook rushing by and a cluster of good sitting rocks. The hike down from the lakes was quick and easy and a bit damp with mist, but still quite pleasant. The only real drawback was the number of day hikers going up the Green Lakes Trail. All agreed that this loop is worthy with its views and the forest to alpine transition, but that it’s best done in the opposite direction to beat the throngs walking up to Green Lakes for the day.
