Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Fish Creek
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ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS :
The Fish Creek Falls is one of the attractions of the Steamboat Springs area. Its close proximity to town and the spectacular falls attract large numbers of visitors. A picnic ground and interpretive signing add to the attraction. However, as the trail climbs in elevation above the falls, fewer people are encountered. The area near the Continental Divide offers access to several lakes and many subalpine meadows making it an attractive area for backpack camping. NARRATIVE :
The first section of trail from Fish Creek Falls Parking Area is wide and smooth, providing easy access to the falls viewing area. After crossing the creek, the trail climbs steeply up Fish Creek Canyon. After recrossing the creek it continues up the canyon to Long Lake. It turns south through fairly gentle terrain and passes near Round Lake, Lake Percy, Little Lost Lake, Lake Elmo, Lost Lake, and Fish Hook Lake before climbing up out of Fish Hook Creek to Base Camp. Here it ends at Forest Road #311 but about a three mile hike leads to the paved road. Many hikers access the lakes area from this end of the trail or from Fish Creek Reservoir by the closed road to Long Lake, Forest Road 310. Other options are Trail #1134 (Percy Lake Trail) or trail #1101 (Wyoming Trail) both of which connect to the Fish Creek Trail near Round Lake and Percy Lake. TRAILHEAD FACILITIES:
The Fish Creek Falls Parking Area offers handicapped accessible parking, and an accessible trail to a falls viewing area. Trash removal, a toilet and potable water are available at the adjacent picnic ground. LEAVE NO TRACE As humans, we must minimize our impacts to help preserve this resource for present and future generations.
Directions from Steamboat Springs: ACCESS #1: Go east of Steamboat Springs 3 miles on Fish Creek Road to Fish Creek Falls Parking Area. Two parking lots are provided. One is for overnight and horse trailer parking. The other is for day hiking and picnicking parking.
Directions from Steamboat Springs: ACCESS #2: Go southeast on US Hwy 40 about 21 miles to the Dumont Lake turn-off. Follow the old highway to Forest Road #311 at the stone monument. Parking is provided here or the unimproved road continues to Base Camp where Trail 1101 begins. Travel 1101 to the junction with 1102, 3.3 miles. Road #311 is not suggested for passenger cars or trailers.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Summer through Fall
(NOTE: $2.00 parking fee; $10.00 annual day use pass available.)
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