Gifford Pinchot National Forest Pothole Lake ~ Bertha May Lake ~ Granite Lake Hike Hike 03 Length: 3 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 700 Elevation gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty:   Moderate Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required Features: This hike takes you to a series of little lakes nestled below the awesome cliffs of the Sawtooth Mountain ridge. The trail head 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 trail head 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. A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest All for the love of hiking!