Trail Creek
Alpine Lakes WildernessBest Jun–Oct
A connector route through dry, fire-touched forest from Salmon La Sac toward Squaw Lake and the upper Waptus drainage.
About This Trail
Trail Creek leaves the Salmon La Sac area at the upper end of Forest Road 4330, sharing the trailhead complex with Hyas Lake and Lake Michael. The route climbs through dry east-side forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, threading past the scars of past fires before reaching connector junctions toward Squaw Lake, Waptus Lake, and onward into the broader Alpine Lakes network.
The character is east-side wilderness — drier ground than the Cascades crest sees, more sun, sparser understory. Wildflowers concentrate in the meadow openings. The trail itself does not deliver a destination on its own — most parties use it as the connecting leg to a longer overnight, with Squaw Lake the closest stand-alone goal at about three and a half miles in.
Established camps along the route make multi-day trips easy. Ratings on WTA are low — this trail rewards travelers building larger routes more than day hikers looking for a clear payoff. The Tucquala Meadows trailhead area fills on summer weekends; Trail Creek itself stays light. Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Most Salmon La Sac traffic heads to Hyas Lake or beyond. Trail Creek sees a small fraction — mostly backpackers building longer trips.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Past fire damage in places — watch for blowdown
- Connector route — plan the destination route before starting
Getting There
Tucquala Meadows / Salmon La Sac trailhead complex at end of FS Road 4330. Northwest Forest Pass required.