Greenleaf Overlook

Greenleaf Overlook is a 7.9-mile out-and-back from Bonneville Trailhead, using Tamanous Trail #27 and the PCT past Gillette Lake and Greenleaf Creek to a mossy rock opening above the Bonneville Slide. The overlook looks across forested landslide terrain, with Kidney Lake below. Allow about four and a half hours for the full walk. It is a long, moderate hike with one small, partly tree-framed viewpoint at the end; choose it if you want the miles and the unusual landscape, not a quick scenic stop.

Tamanous climbs about 0.6 mile from the far end of the parking lot to the PCT. Look back for views of Bonneville Lock and Dam. The path rolls over small ridges with wet pools beside it, then the PCT heads through forest toward powerlines and a clear-cut on rocky hummocks. Cross the active quarry road carefully. Just beyond it, the trail drops to green-blue Gillette Lake, with flowers along the shore. If that is enough, turn back here for a shorter 5.3-mile round trip.

The full route stays on the PCT, crossing the footbridge over Gillette Creek before climbing past a logged road and a small pond. It then descends to a bridge over Greenleaf Creek. From there, climb about three-quarters of a mile to the overlook: large, yellow-mossed granite boulders mark the rocky opening before the PCT carries on toward Table Mountain. The view takes in the Bonneville Slide area and Kidney Lake below, though trees have grown up around the opening. Keep the mossy rock ledge in the foreground for a photo that shows the place as an actual trail-side perch. The waterfall below the creek bridge is on private land; stay on the trail.

Start at the Bonneville Trailhead on WA-14, across from the Bonneville Dam visitor-center turnoff. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required; vault toilets are at the paved lot, and a seasonal weekend shuttle stops there. Dogs are allowed on leash. Poison oak grows along the route, and the PCT crosses private and state land in places, so keep to the marked path. No food or drinking-water service is listed on the route.