Long Branch Creek Trail (Gorge Lake Trail)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views

The trailhead is harder to reach than most but for those that make it they are rewarded with a very well maintained trail that winds through alpine forests and boulder fields before ending at an alpine lake surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks.

No facilities at the trailhead. Access to the trailhead is by primitive non-maintained road that is easily passable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of rooms for primitive camping within immediate vicinity of trailhead.

The access to the trailhead is well marked by US Forest Service signage. However, the last mile is on a primitive road (recommend high clearance vehicle). Once at the trailhead there is ample camping and parking space within 200m of the trailhead. The trail begins by climbing gradually for 2 miles through lodgepole pine forests crossing Gorge Creek several times on well constructed foot bridges. It's at the 2 mile mark that you can begin to see the steep ridge lines above the lakes. The last mile before the lake has a few steep (but manageable) sections that wind past massive rock outcroppings before the trail descends briefly to the lake shore.