Whites - Thomas - Dry Pond Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek

A concise loop that features lots of elevation gain over exhilarating terrain. Hikers will be challenged and rewarded as they climb from Thomas Creek to Dry Pond before a steady descent returns to the trailhead. Most of the hike, except for the descent on the Dry Pond Trail is spent under trees, so this can be a nice option for hot summer days.

Begin at the White Creek Trailhead and follow the Parking Connector path to join the White Creek Trail. Head right as the trail hugs NF-047 just past the gate. Keep going to Timberline Road and head left until approaching the Upper Thomas Creek Trailhead.

Turn into the trees to follow the Thomas Creek Trail along the banks of the creek for about a mile. The grade is constant and will get your heart-rate up. After a mile, take a left onto the Dry Pond Trail. The grade will steepen some as hikers navigate several switchbacks to the saddle at the top of the ridge.

If you visit early enough in the year, the low depression that makes Dry Pond might actually have some moisture. Either way, the edge of the saddle is the hike's high-point, so it's a worthwhile rest point even if the pond is empty.

Continuing on, Dry Pond Trail features fewer switchbacks and is less steep as it descends into the valley to intersect the Jones Creek Loop. Cross the bridge and head left, you'll very quickly depart from the Jones Creek Loop to enter the Whites Creek Trail on the left. Keep hiking along this popular trail until the Parking Connector brings you back to the trailhead.