Kelley Creek via Martin Creek Trailhead

Kelley Creek via Martin Creek starts at the Iron Goat trailhead and combines railroad history with deep forest hiking into the Wild Sky Wilderness. The first 1.2 miles pass old railroad infrastructure from the early 1900s, including abandoned bridge abutments and tunnel sites from the Great Northern Railway era. After crossing Martin Creek, the trail enters mature hemlock, fir, and cedar forest and climbs through switchbacks alongside cascading creeks and small waterfalls.

The 5.8-mile roundtrip route gains 1,100 feet to a high point of 3,472 feet. Spring visits bring trillium, queen's cup, and roaring creeks amplified by snowmelt. Fall delivers mushroom foraging and rich foliage color. A creek crossing near the high point requires careful rock-hopping during high water. Recent trip reports (2025) warn that maintenance has lapsed, with numerous downed trees across the trail making progress slower than expected. The trail shares a trailhead with the popular Iron Goat Trail, so parking fills on busy weekends, but Kelley Creek itself sees far fewer visitors.