Name: Sucker Creek Trail #1237
Rating: 3.0

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Features Lake · Wildflowers

Usually closed by snow between November and May.

Because this trail travels through thick timber, it may be blocked by fallen trees due to winter storms. Check with the Forest Service as to its current status.

The Sucker Creek Shelter also has a reputation for having bears around, so if you camp there, guard your food!

Description

This trail has two trailheads - a lower one above the junction with decommissioned Forest Road 540 and an upper one at the end of Forest Road 098. The Sucker Creek Tie #1237A connects this upper trailhead to the main trail. Both trailheads have space for 3-4 vehicles but no other amenities or potable water.

The trail leaves the lower trailhead and heads southeast up Sucker Creek Canyon, paralleling but not approaching the creek. Very quickly the trail enters the Red Buttes Wilderness Area.

It passes through thick forests and old mining areas climbing a modest grade. There is a short steeper section near the top before it reaches the high mountain meadow where the Sucker Creek Shelter is located. This is an historic (but restored) three-sided shelter that makes a good campsite. The meadow is flush with wildflowers in season. The #1237 ends at its junction with the Boundary Trail #1207 and the Sucker Creek Trail #906 at Sucker Creek Gap on the ridge above the shelter.

There are springs at the shelter but a better water source is Lake 5148, a short way to the east just below Sucker Creek Gap off the Sucker Creek Trail #906.