Near Mineral Creek Trail
Mineral Creek where bridge used to be near patrol cabin site.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Mineral Creek Trail

1.0 (1 Rating)
Only remnants of the trail remain, leaving tons of downfall and used primarily for the snotel site.
4.3
mi
Distance
1,342
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Bring bear spray. Trail not on most maps.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.3mi
Distance
1,342ft
Elevation Gain
436ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
4,743ft
High Point
3,836ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
After a fire came through and burned the area, including the patrol cabin, the trail up Mineral Creek is no longer maintained. Once the main route up to the Highline Trail, a reroute made years ago has changed this trail from a common thoroughfare to a rarely used path. The reroute turned the Highline Trail to Flattop Mountain, which this trail comes off of. The trail is mainly kept on the books for the snotel site near the old cabin due to historical records which is accessed on skis when snow covers it. For those sadistic souls willing to brave it to the old patrol cabin foundation, expect many creek crossings, confusing game trails, and enough downfall for a lifetime. Route finding skills are imperative as you work your way up the drainage. May be easiest to just put on waders later in the year and head directly up the creek. Views are nice in spots. This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit https://www.hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Swiftcurrent Lookout

Hike Route

Swiftcurrent Lookout

Views
extreme
12.36 mi
+4,395 ft
Loop Trail

Hike Route

Loop Trail

Views
strenuous
8.04 mi
+2,613 ft
Garden Wall

Hike Route

Garden Wall

Less Crowded
easy
0.83 mi
+959 ft
Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars

Hike Route

Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars

Family Friendly
moderate
2.96 mi
+613 ft
Trail of the Cedars

Hike Route

Trail of the Cedars

ADA Accessible
easy
0.92 mi
+34 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Grinnell and Lake Josephine Alternate

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Grinnell and Lake Josephine Alternate

Lake
easy
4.59 mi
+131 ft
Contributors
Jake Bramante