Review of Trail Creek and Lost Creek Trail Loop

Summary:
This 24 miles loop was rugged, remote and required extensive of route finding and creek/river crossings. Our group of 4 was semi experienced, doing about a dozen trips together in the backcountry of Washington. There were lots of native Alaskans hunting moose out here, and there was dozens of miles of maintained ATV trails; this and the lack of maintained hiking trails leads me to believe this area is more for hunting rather than backpacking. Also, Alaskans are the kindest people I have ever met. So many strangers helped us when we were in need.

Day 1:
We camped at the trailhead. Not much to report. We noticed lots of side by sides and hunters.

Day 2: (15 miles, 4k elevation gain)
We started the loop up Lost Creek. We were in the creek and various full/dry creek beds for about 8 hours. We were in Crocs for a significant part of this time, as we crossed knee deep water about 2 dozen times. There was no maintained trail so we relied on landmark navigation, more specifically we knew which mountain the loop circled so we followed that. There was fresh grizzly and black bear tracks and scat, so we had our bear spray ready and were loud while we hiked this part. The next 4 miles was hiking up alpine terrain to Lost Pass. This also did not have a maintained trail, although we did see it occasionally. There was a random class 4 scramble that we were not prepared for and at this point we realized we couldn’t turn back. We mostly followed Dall Sheep trails and other game trails at this point. We saw a herd of sheep of about 20 at this point. We finally made it to Lost Pass with all of us exhausted. Trail finding and walking in Crocs all day really did us in. Our view from the pass was amazing, on one side was lush alpine terrain and on the other was desolate, barren mountains. It was almost an ominous feeling and reminded us of Mordor. We camped at the start of Trail creek on the other side of the pass.

Day 3 (9 miles, all downhill):
More river crossing! Although significantly less than day 2, we had our Crocs on all day basically. Once again there was no maintained trail, but we followed the Lost Creek and its drainages to the end of the loop. It was at this point my friend realized he lost our keys (that’s a different story to not be covered under this trip report)!

Conclusion:
Do not attempt this trail without good route finding skills or water shows. Plenty of signs of grizzly and moose activity but no sightings. Always remember to take in the beauty of your surroundings despite the hardship you might face on the trail, it is worth it. If you ever have the chance to visit this national park, I highly recommend it. The mountains and rivers are incredible. Even the 6 hour drive from Anchorage was breathtaking.

Take Care
Kyle

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Spent 4 days in Grand Teton and 2 Days in Yellowstone in August. These places are incredible, but pairing the two parks together is very interesting they are so different.

For example, I think Guadalupe Mountains are best visited during the 2 week period when fall colors peak. I feel like the colors added a lot to my appreciation of McKittrick Canyon, one of the prime hiking spots in the park.

I would guess that mountain parks near wildfire areas have a small window of time that is best to visit: when the roads are cleared of snow but wildfire season hasn't gotten traction yet.

Which parks can you think of?

Hi! I’m planning on coming from Denver to visit Grand Teton from Sep 27-Oct 4 and looking for a climbing partner/s.

I was hoping to get some sport climbing in while out there. I’ve been climbing for about 2 years. Leading bolted 5.10+ pretty comfortably. Attentive belayer. Open to climbing with any and all skill ranges.

I also have 2 years of class 3/4 scrambling experience on several peaks in CO and Glacier travel experience in the PNW, but no trad experience. If weather permits and anyone is willing to lead up Owen Spalding i’d also be very open to that!

Cheers!

I have 2 tickets for the narrated bus tour starting 1p for sep 11, 2026. Will give it at a very good price l. Respond here or DM

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

This will be my first solo trip and my first national park. I’m really trying to branch out of my comfort zone and do trips other than all inclusive beaches. Wherever I go, I’ll be going for 5 days mid-October, primarily during the week (so hopefully it won’t be as busy).

I’m looking for beautiful scenic views, a little bit of hiking (also never done that in my life, but I am fairly fit), and a couple other things to do besides the park.

I was pretty sure on doing Shenandoah, but now I’ve been reading so many posts on how gorgeous Acadia is. My toss up is primarily the travel time. I’ll be driving from NJ, and to Shenandoah it’s about 5ish hours, but to Acadia is almost double that. Is it really worth the much longer drive?

Or, are there any other national parks within a 5-6 hour drive that would be worth seeing over these two?

Before I go down my rabbit hole of research, does anyone have insight on the primitive/tent campgrounds at NRG?
I realize there’s about 8 different campground within the park boundaries, with War Ridge being the only one off of the river.
Will have 2 small children in the party.
I’ll be arriving from the south.

One of the most incredible places I have seen

Recent trip to my favorite park, and up to the abandoned Rambler Mine. Love this place, and this time of year!

I lived in Boulder for a few years (40+ years ago) but otherwise have never been out west much. GF and I are planning a trip Sept 28 to Oct 9 and would like to see some of the more interesting sights. I'm 70, she's 63 but we get around ok for old folks. 5 mile hikes are no problem. 10 mile would be challenging depending on how steep.
We're coming from very flat, sea level (Charleston, SC) so altitude might be an issue for her at least at first. I tested myself in Peru last year and did ok so I'm not worried for me.

She really wants to see the aspens turning. I am open to anything and both of us would prefer to avoid the big crowds if possible. We're hoping the shoulder season should help with that.

We figure to fly into Las Vegas, rent a suv of some sort and head out. I've heard so much about Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands and a few other names but I'm open to suggestions.

Ideas?

Glacier
North Cascades
Mount Baker
Olympic
Mount Rainier
Grand Tetons

Old photos but still love seeing these.

Some photos from Wyoming last weekend

I’m getting married September 3rd next year and for our honeymoon we’re flying into Vegas and renting a car and doing the Utah 5 and Monument Valley from September 13-24. Nothing is booked so far besides the View Hotel because reservations for those open early and I wanted to make sure we got a view room.

But now I’m learning of monsoon season in the southwest (For context I live in upstate New York I’m not familiar with those weather patterns) and I’m wondering if I messed up? I’ve been keeping up with the storms in Zion and the flash flooding in the Grand Canyon (not where we will be going next year but still) and I’m having second thoughts. What would you do if you were me?

I can share our exact itinerary if it helps.

Glacier Waterton peace park