Backpack Noble Knob via Greenwater Trail

From Greenwater heading south: Pass the fire station to FR 70 on the left. Follow FR 70 for about nine miles to FR 7033. Take a right and follow the road to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required.

The trail is in good shape and mostly flat to Greenwater Lakes which is great for families and hanging out by the water. When we hiked, the trailhead said the bridge was washed out at mile 2.5, but there was a makeshift log bridge with a rope to help you across (pretty easy to navigate once you see it).

After Greenwater Lakes, the trail gets slightly steeper but I wouldn't call it steep up to Lost Lake. There are a few forks on the the trail. One offshoot is down to the very green, Quinn Lake. You have to work a bit to get a good photo at Quinn but it is still worth the short detour to see. 

Once at Lost Lake there are a lot of areas to access the lake and some decent camping. Next stop is up toward Noble Knob. 

Continue on the main trail around the lake which turns into the trail up to Noble Knob. Considering the trail to Lost Lake, this is pretty steady uphill and steep in some spots. It was mostly treed until you get to the ridge when things start to open up. Keep going as the views, wildflowers, blue berries get more plentiful. Once out of the forest, you destination is in sight. Continue on the main trail to a fork (left to camping and right to Noble Knob).

Take the right and head up to Noble Knob for some great views of Rainier and the surrounding valleys. This is a great place to have a snack and soak up the views because you have a long walk back. 

Note: There is a much easier way to Noble Knob, so if it is your primary destination then I do not recommend this route, but if you want to experience the area, see lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, the forest, and take a route that is fairly secluded after Lost Lake then this is highly recommended.