Craigie Creek Trail

The feel

The trail follows an old gravel and rock mining road through brushy meadows loaded with wildflowers. Remnants of buildings and equipment line the way, and the Lucky Shot and War Baby mines sit on the mountainside above. In the 1930s the population was large enough to have its own post office.

The mining road ends at about mile 4.2. A clear if sometimes patchy footpath continues 0.3 mile to Dogsled Pass, with mild boulder-hopping, and pretty Schroff Lake sits just east of the pass.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 9 miles total, 4.5 miles one way, with 1000 to 1500 ft of gain. Old mining road, then a footpath with mild boulder-hopping to the pass. Rated moderate.

Time

About 2.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

ATVs and off-road vehicles sometimes use the road, especially on weekends, but they cannot follow past the end of the road. The typical season runs June to October.

Parking

An unmarked pullout, about 6.2 miles from the start of the gravel road.

Fees and passes

No parking fee.

Hazards

Old mining material is rusting into the creek beside the trail.

Bathrooms and water

Do not drink the creek water beside the trail. A filter works at Schroff Lake.

Season and access

Fishhook-Willow Road is open only in summer.

Mingo says

Expect gradual climbing at first and a steeper last mile. Weekdays are likely quieter, since ATV traffic is heavier on weekends.

Before you go

• Use the second pullout on the road, the Craigie Creek one. The first leads to gated private land that is actively mined.
• Take the immediate right fork at the lot to avoid private property.
• Park so ATV riders can still reach the trail, since it is a multi-use motorized trail.
• Pack a water filter and refill at Schroff Lake.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.