Tyndall Creek Out-and-Back

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Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Visitors interested in watching the regeneration that occurs after a forest fire need look no farther. This route passes through a combination of older growth trees and an area that was burned. The contrast and healing visible are breathtaking.

There is very little shade where the trees have been denuded, so plan ahead and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

From the parking lot at Stolle Meadows, the trail is just across the road. It starts off pretty mellow as you go through Stolle Meadows. It is a surreal experience (as of my post in 2016), as this entire area was burned in a forest fire in 2007. There is new growth, but scars of the fire can still be seen, including a lot of standing trees that are completely denuded and burnt out. After about a mile and a half, the trail enters a canyon and meanders near Tyndall Creek, with the sounds of the creek never far away. Eventually the creek is gone and you crest a bit of a pass, before dropping down some switchbacks to Railroad Pass and a dirt road. Then head back the same way to return.

There is an option for a side trip to Vulcan Hot Spring also, near the beginning of the trail.