Indian Creek Loop

Either park at the North Fork parking lot and hike the road to the South Fork Indian Creek TH or park at the South Fork parking lot and hike the road on the way out. The road segment is about 1.5 miles.Plan on several creek crossings on the South Fork Indian Creek section of this loop. The climbing on this section is more drawn out than on the steeper, shorter climbs on the North Fork Indian Creek side. There is better camping on the last third of the South Fork Indian Creek trail, but decent spots can be found along the major creek headed up. About 7 or 8 miles in, follow the map closely. In Lake Basin just before where "the chair" is, the trail transitions to the North Fork Indian Creek trail. Time this hike right and you'll either have lush flowers down lower or rolling fields of lupines in the meadows and along the hillsides up high.Transitioning onto the North Fork Indian Creek trail, continue to climb up the divide between the two drainages. Just after the divide, if there is interest in summiting Observation Peak, pick your way up the major ridgeline that splits the two drainages avoiding the first hump in the ridgeline directly above the divide. The peak is only 1.3 miles and 400 vertical feet involving off trail adventure which includes some loose scree. It's all downhill from here into the north fork. The trail heads gently downhill for a few miles before switch-backing into the north fork canyon. If you go early enough in the summer, you'll notice waterfalls in this section. After the switchbacks, now on the canyon floor, there will be a few creek crossings before the trail sticks to the right of the creek. You'll pass by Garden Canyon Trail, which has literally been described as, "A literal canyon full of wildflowers and amazing views...". After Garden Canyon Trail, the grade and terrain mellow, making this a enjoyable 5 mile hike back to the TH. - shared by Jeff Fullmer and improved by Justin Bowen