Whitefish Creek Trail #42

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views

Start at the Trapper Creek Trailhead near Odell Lake. You cross the train tracks and start on the Whitefish Creek Trail. You'll be making your way through pine and fir forest and next to Trapper Creek. A nice place to stop and or camp is Diamond View Lake. As the name states, there are some really nice views of Diamond Peak which may be your destination if you are doing the Diamond Peak Loop.

Eventually you'll reach an intersection with the Crater Butte Trail. If you're ready to head out on another adventure, take that trail west towards the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

If you're looking to continue, keep working your way south from the intersection point. Because the high point of the trail is located about 5 miles in, you'll be enjoying your descent to Crescent Lake by the time you pass the Crater Butte Trail. Continue on down, though for much of the way your views will be obstructed by pines. This trail will come to an end at Tranquil Cove, where the Whitefish Horse Camp is located. You can choose to head back the way you came, take a shuttle from the trailhead, or stay the night and return the next day.

Maps and trail signs are a little lacking so be prepared to cross country and use a map and compass or the Hiking Project mobile app. Also, mosquitoes were horrible during this July trip so plan to bring repellant and protective clothing.

Pine and fir forest. Plentiful mosquitoes.