What is the current condition of the road leading to the trailhead?

The road is reported as rough but passable as of [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.204326906109). Earlier reports from [July 22](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-22.233539996847) and July 10 indicated it was suitable for all vehicles, though the report from July 22 specifically warned of large trenches on FS52 that require slow and strategic driving.

Are there any significant obstacles on the trail itself?

A collapsed footbridge after Pothole Lake was noted on [July 22](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-22.233539996847), but it was described as easy to cross and sturdy on a dry day. Otherwise, the trail was reported to be in good condition with minor obstacles posing few problems as of July 22 and [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.204326906109).

What is the parking situation like at the trailhead?

Parking can be limited. As of [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.204326906109), the trailhead was nearly full, with most spots occupied by day hikers or those returning from camping. However, some spots were still available, and a report from [July 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-11.095654983404) mentioned enough parking on a Friday.

Has there been any recent wildlife activity reported?

Yes, there have been several wildlife sightings. Fresh mountain lion scat and prints were observed in late July, and black bears, including a mother and cub, were seen crossing the road on [July 22](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-22.233539996847). No large wildlife was seen by one report on [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.204326906109).

Bertha May and Granite Lakes

South Cascades

updated 2 months ago

The trail to Bertha May and Granite Lakes is reported to be in good condition with no snow as of August 16. The road is rough but passable according to reports from August 16, though earlier reports from July 22 and July 10 stated it was suitable for all vehicles, with specific caution needed for large trenches near the start of FS52. A collapsed footbridge after Pothole Lake was noted on July 22 but was easy to cross. Parking may be limited, with the August 16 report indicating it was nearly full with day hikers. Wildlife, including fresh mountain lion scat and prints, and black bears were observed in late July. No significant bug issues were reported across the available trip reports.

Generated from 13 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Bertha May and Granite Lakes

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 2 months, so everything below is at least that old.

The road is reported as rough but passable as of August 16. Earlier reports from July 22 and July 10 indicated it was suitable for all vehicles, though the report from July 22 specifically warned of large trenches on FS52 that require slow and strategic driving.