Alpine Way Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting just south of Stanley at a parking area just off Hwy 75, the trail begins as a doubletrack dirt road, but soon gives way to a nice singletrack and starts climbing a ridge with spectacular views of Red Fish Lake and Fish Hook Trail, which it parallels below. Note: There is a Marshall Lake Cutoff Trail that can take you down to Redfish Lake via Fishhook Trail.

After you gain elevation, the trail slips around Williams Peak for a peek at Marshall Lake. Head on into Marshall Lake and check it out before heading down and out to the east. The next thing you know, you'll pass the Meadow Creek Trail.

Looking for more trail time? Continue onto Iron Creek where this trail merges with Iron Creek - Stanley Lake #640 Trail. You'll share a path with the Iron Creek - Stanley Lake #640 Trail for about 0.6 miles before continuing north as it cuts back and away. Note: At this point, you could head up to Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek - Stanley Lake #640.

At this point, you are committed to another 7 miles if you press on to Stanley Lake. That is 6 miles to meet up with the other end of Iron Creek - Stanley Lake #640 Trail and 1 mile down to the lake and parking area. (Yes, you leave and meet the same trail but save many miles and a ton of elevation).