Green Lake Road Overview

View from Green Lake Road

Summary:

The road is a continuation of the Sawmill Creek Boulevard that follows the shoreline of Silver Bay from Herring Cove about 7 miles before turning uphill to end at the shores of Green Lake. The road was built as a service road for Green Lake Dam. Public access is by foot or bicycle only. There is light vehicle traffic from both the hydroelectric facility and the Medvejie salmon hatchery at Bear Cove.

Seasons: All

Due to its regular use as an access road for the hatchery and Green Lake power facility, the road is kept clear year round. In winter there may be packed snow and ice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Elevation Change: Moderate

There are a number of small hills along the road that can be strenuous to ride up on a bicycle. Many people find it necessary to walk their bike up the last (large) hill as the road heads up to Green Lake.

Route Finding: Easy

Trail Condition: Very Good

Although the road is not maintained for public access, it is maintained for regular vehicle access. The typical hybrid or mountain bike should have little trouble and the hiker even less.
In winter the road may be icy.

Getting There:

Follow Sawmill Creek Boulevard past the Industrial Park. After it crosses Sawmill Creek, the pavement ends and the gravel road continues for another mile or two. There is a gate that blocks further vehicular traffic at Herring Cove. The gate is approximately 7 miles from downtown. Many people bicycle to and from town. If you drive, the turnaround area at the gate is large enough for several cars to park off to the side.

Things to See

Bears frequent the road during parts of the year. I have never seen a bear on the road while hiking or biking it but I have seen bear scat many times.
In past years there has been an active eagle nest near the road between Herring Cove and Bear Cove.
Medvejie Hatchery is located at Bear Cove.
Marine life may be seen in Silver Bay. Seals are probably the most commonly seen marine mammal, with whales and sealions occasionally showing up as well.
Impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
Green Lake Dam

Destinations

Many people just walk, jog, or bicycle along the road as far as they feel like on a given day, but there are a couple of destinations that may be of particular interest.

Destination	Distance From Herring Cove (one way/round trip) Time (one way/round trip)
Bear Cove	3.5 miles/7 miles 20-40 minutes/1-2 hours (bicycle) 1-1.5 hours/2-4 hours (walking)
Green Lake	7 miles/14 miles 1-2 hours/3-8 hours (bicycle)

Connecting Trails

Medvejie Lake Trail