Trail Overview
The overall environment of Pole Creek East offers a breathtaking transition from a deeply shaded pine forest into a gorgeous, sun-drenched upper alpine basin. Heading left off the main Pole Creek road, this scenic detour begins by bypassing an open metal gate and winding through towering evergreens on a bed of soft pine needles and dirt. As you climb higher, the dense tree canopy begins to open up, revealing beautiful, wide-open skies and vibrant grassy meadows that look absolutely perfect for a day of hiking. Toward the end of the route, the path narrows significantly, transitioning into a faint, grassy two-track before terminating at a small parking area that can comfortably fit a few vehicles. Beyond this point, the route becomes washed out and overgrown with tall, thick brush, making it the perfect natural spot to turn around or park and explore the beautiful alpine basin on foot.
Difficulty
Earning a mild Grade 2 difficulty rating, the trail surface consists primarily of packed dirt that frequently gives way to loose, chunky rocks and stretches of muddy, rutted puddles. While the beginning of the road is relatively smooth, you will quickly encounter several large, unavoidable water holes and soft, tracked ruts that span the width of the path. Additionally, there are a few short but bumpy inclines littered with loose cobble, exposed roots, and uneven stones. To safely protect your vehicle's undercarriage, approach the muddy sections with a slow, steady momentum to avoid splashing water into sensitive engine bays, and pick careful, deliberate lines over the rocky climbs to maintain continuous traction. Finally, expect some light brush rubbing against your doors as you approach the heavily overgrown grass and leafy vegetation near the very end of the track.
