Crags Campground to American Lakes

Dogs Leashed

Features Fishing · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The route starts at the Crags campground so is a great alternative route to America Lakes if you are camping and good 1/2 day out and back hike.

The first 1.5 mi is a steady climb uphill with switchbacks through tree cover along the Crags Campground Trail, until you get to the flat Michigan Ditch Trail. Heavy moose activity in this area. You'll hook a left and cross the trail to continue up a straight steep, rocky climb for the next mile before you get to a nice water source and eastern view of the Nokhu Crags. It flattens out somewhat as you hike through a ridgeline before heading south and into the valley for American Lakes. You'll meet up with the standard American Lakes Trail at about 3 miles and stay right. After about 10 steps in, look down into the valley and you'll probably see 5-6 bull moose, sitting and hanging out.

This is an excellent out and back route with a lunch stop at American Lakes. Pencil in about 2.5 hrs one way. Lots of people fishing and sitting in tubes (super cold) at American Lakes.

Wildflowers, moose, marmots