Richland Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

The first mile of the trail is along an old rail bed parallel to the creek. Excellent views of the water and boulders. Very flat, easy hiking and very accessible. Nice collection of wild flowers in the spring and summer. Remnants of the old reservoir upstream and prior mining can be seen along the way. Abandoned mine entrance, old coke ovens and stone walls, a trestle base and other indications of the prior use of this area slowly getting reabsorbed.

The trail takes a sharp right and then starts climbing. (Note, lots of people inappropriately cutting the switchbacks). The trail come to Laurel Creek were there is a new aluminum bridge. Cross the bridge and come to the junction with Laurel Snow Falls Trail spur to the right. Continue to the left and pass a camping area.

The trail then climbs over some boulders with a guide rope leading to the old bridge crossing Richland Creek. After the crossing the trail climbs the ridge through a number of switch backs. Shortly after passing under the power lines, a short spur leads to Dunn Overlook with a view of the valley and of Laurel Snows Falls across the way.

Along the ridge top, the woods change to hardwoods and the trail works its way back to the creek. In lower water, the creek can be crossed to continue on the trail to Snow Falls.