Covid-19 Togetherness Update As of May 22, 2020, the Greenwater and Echo Lakes trailhead has opened. While the campgrounds are not yet open as of May 27, 2020, you can bring your family to Crystal Rainier Retreat and stay in luxury as your active family explores the trail to Echo Lake. There are some wonderful resources available that share more about the details of the trailhead, like VisitRainier’s helpful article or the Washington Trails Association’s meticulous notes and reviews from hikers. To get to the trailhead, travel eastbound on SR 410 from Enumclaw. Turn left onto Forest Service Road No. 70. In just under 10 miles, look for a gravel spur on the right and the trailhead sign that leads to parking and the trailhead. The maps are Green Trails No. 238 and No. 239 Lester. This trailhead will eventually branch off on the way to Lost Lake. About three miles in from the trailhead, there is a posted sign for Lost Lake and Echo Lake – turn left at the junction to head to Echo Lake and the Maggie Creek Trail. The Basics 14 miles round trip to Echo Lake Elevation gain is 1900 ft The highest point is […]
Covid-19 Togetherness Update In Greenwater, we are a smaller community with a population of just 67. We aren’t an over-reaching corporate playground inviting hoards of people to pack in like sardines. Far from it. Out here, there’s room. Most of the cabins here, including Crystal Rainier Retreat, are built for smaller groups and families. There are but a few cabins in total. Our cabin has over 1800 square feet — and a backyard — and a connected studio — there are bedrooms and lofts spread out to enable everyone to get some space yet stay together under one roof. Everyone can watch their own Netflix show with TVs in many of the rooms. Sick of binging shows? No problem. Get outside – you can still hike the nearby trails maintaining a responsible 6 ft distance from one another. Got to ride your bike? Here in Greenwater, WA we have some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. And there are hundreds of them! Replace the quiet of the city (at this rare moment) for the calming sounds of nature. Don’t feel quite ready for a hike? Do something completely relaxing like grilling in the backyard or building a […]
Yes, there have been overwhelming impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there is also great beauty at this moment. We want to share what we are grateful for today: REPAIRS – The earth is getting a much-needed break, responding almost instantly to less human activity. We’ve been reflecting as a family on ways we can reduce our energy use because we can see that the earth really does need our participation in a good solution. TIME – Despite being cooped up together, there is still a gift in being together. For those of us with kids, yes, they do grow up too fast and we’ve been afforded a rare opportunity not seen for generations. How can we make better use of our family time together as more of life opens back up? TGI TEACHERS – We’ve taken on the role of teacher, and have gotten only a small taste of what it takes for others to not only teach but help raise our children for months and years on end. TAKING STOCK – Perhaps the most precious gift has been a season in which we can take stock. Account for our actions and the impact our activities have. The choices […]