Name: Deep Creek Trail #1196
Rating: 5.0

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This is a popular trail with mountain bikers who may be descending at high-speed. Be alert!
The upper trailhead is seasonally open. Check updates from the USFS by clicking here. Entrance and parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass.

Description

Three thousand feet of climbing in just under four miles is a lot for hikers to tackle on the area's steepest trail! The bottom of Deep Creek starts off the White River Trail #1199. The singletrack is winding, steep and features many switchbacks. Especially lower down, the trail will be quite narrow in a few places. Most of the time you'll enjoy a long sight line, but be aware that this is a multi-use trail and cyclists may be making their way downhill quickly. Though hikers have the right of way, it's best to stay alert to avoid mishap.

As you continue past dense salal, enjoy the greenery as the trail continues it's tough ascent. You'll get a short break from the steep climbing every now and again, so take advantage of these portions to stop and appreciate the forested views behind and around you (as well as to catch your breath!). While the trail isn't overly rocky, there are many steep climbs that will challenge even experienced hikers.

The trail will continue to climb and switchbacks will constantly change your view, but the dense woods mean for similar sights along the whole trail. Keep an eye out for exposure, as the hillside will drop steeply away from the trail. This is another good reason to keep alert, as passing slower moving hikers might prove a bit difficult.

As you start to reach the end of the trail, things will kick uphill for a punishing finish. At a clearing about 1/3 of a mile away from the end, take in some of the first open views of the trip. After this you'll notice that the trail will start to become more eroded and washed out. Water bars highlight the ongoing efforts to fight erosion, but in such steep terrain, even these can only do so much.

Past the clearing, the trail will shortly come to an end. You can head down for a tough out-and back, or head over to Ranger Creek Trail #1197 or Palisades Trail #1198 for a long loop. If you've left a car up at the Corral Pass Trailhead, the exit is quite scenic and easy to reach (though the drive up is rough).