Trapper Creek Out-and-Back

Run through old growth forest and by waterfalls in solitude.

There really aren't any flat spaces to camp, and the two that I saw were right off the trail and shouldn't be used.

The trailhead is a parking lot off Mineral Springs Road. You'll need to pay for parking or have one of the Federal passes. Get your wilderness permit at the trailhead.

Start just beyond the trailhead marker on Trapper Creek Trail #192. You'll run though a thick and green forest floor, at least in the springtime. Follow this trail, and in about a mile you'll pass the junction of the Observation Trail #132. Continue on, and you'll cross the intersection with the Soda Lake Trail.

Your trail will gradually ascend through an old growth forest. You'll see extraordinarily large trees both growing and on the ground. While you parallel Trapper Creek, you won't see it or be near it. Next is an intersection with the Deer Cutoff Trail #209. Take this to the right while the Trapper Creek Trail #192 veers left and follows a parallel but lower route which we will return on.

You'll cross a creek and just below the crossing is Observation Falls. The crossing appears to be relatively easy, but be warned that the rocks are very slippery with moss. Continue on, and you'll descend then intersect with Trapper Creek Trail. Turn left and head back to the trailhead on the Trapper Creek Trail #192.

Lots of old growth trees. Varied thrush, chickadee, Oregon junco, signs of both elk and deer. Brides bonnet, Columbian wildflower.