West Fork Trail #347

Trail #347 starts at the junction with Trail #21 (elevation 4740 feet) and immediately crosses a 20 foot wide creek. After spring runoff, the stream is fairly shallow at the crossing and there are rocks to step on.

The trail descends slightly through giant old cedar with fern and needle ground cover.

For a stretch the trail dips on to private land which was heavily logged, though a few large cedars were left standing.

At about the 1/3 mile the trail opens up with fewer trees, spruce and alpine-fir, and more brush.

The slope is gentle over most of the trail length (10-15%). There are many seasonal drainages and small creeks, some crossed by wooden walkways. At the 2 1/2 mile the timber thins out into small stands of alpine-fir and the trail curves up through granite boulders and talus slopes.

Soon after entering heavy timber again at the 3 mile the trail junctions. The left hand spur accesses West Fork Lake, less than 100 yards away.

Trail #347 continues toward the ridge, becoming narrow and rocky, with steep switchbacks (up to 35% grade).

At the 3 1/4 mile the trail reaches the ridge and winds along the top and east side for another 1/4 mile to the old lookout site at West Fork Mountain (elevation 6337 feet). The ridge and peak offer incredible views of the Selkirk Mountains.

USGS Quad(s): Smith Peak, Caribou Creek
View an elevation profile of the trail.
View a more detailed map of the trail.

At a Glance