West Fork Fish Creek #101

If hikeed in the opposite direction, this trail could be done as a nice out-and-back, but at 10.8 miles long you may want to plan on camping. The West Fork Fish Creek Trail #101 is fairly well traveled and generally easier than most other trails in the Great Burn. However, there are rocky sections, thick vegetation, and water crossings. The large cedar groves and the associated boardwalks and bridges are a highlight of this trail. The large trees are impressive to behold, and they block out the sun which keeps the meandering trail free of vegetation. Cedar trees grow in wet areas and there are numerous streams, springs, and seeps. Many of the wet areas have boardwalks that make a nice addition to the trail. The end of the trail burned in 2015 and unfortunately the fire destroyed the bridge over Fish Creek at the end of the trail. However, the burned area is still enjoyable. In the summer of 2016 vegetation was already retuning, with an orange-colored moss covering large areas of ground, interspersed with other greenery and some wildflowers. The trail is in good shape but the surface is a very dusty ash.