Ptarmigan Creek Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Lake · River/Creek · Wildlife

The trail starts at the level of the creek, and is well graveled for the first 0.75 miles. After that it becomes a techy-rooty trail, with some steep up and over sections. Most hills level out, so you can slow down when your heart rate spikes, then hike when the trail levels out.

Around 1.5 miles, you leave the creek and start heading uphill, leading eventually to mountainside hiking with views. The trail peaks at 2.5 miles, and you start a slow descent to the lake.

At the lake, there is an outhouse (bring TP if you are planning on using it) and a bear box.

It's only 800 feet of vertical, but it felt like more. The route shown is one-way, so an out-and-back hike becomes 7 miles. You could continue along the lake if you want to go further, but the trail is even rougher.

Bears. The mountainside sections of the trail could become overgrown as the summer goes on, leading to poor bear visibility.