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Meadow along Northrup Creek Trail

You turn right (downhill), crossing the road at an angle, and then veer left onto an unsigned primitive road. Walk gradually downhill along this tree-lined road, keeping left at a junction after 0.2 mile, all the way to the end of the road. From here, a good foot trail descends a series of short switchbacks to a hop-over crossing of a small creek.

This creek marks the start of the trail’s wildest and most scenic section. For the next 1.7 miles the route remains a true trail (no road walking) as it goes up and down in the lowlands near Northrup Creek. The way alternates between dense forest, riparian areas, and tiny creekside meadows where wildlife such as deer and elk are common. The section also includes some huge moss-covered bigleaf maples that are well worth admiring. The only downsides are several muddy areas and so many elk droppings that they are hard to avoid. After 1.2 miles the trail climbs a switchback away from the creek, crosses a low ridge, and then descends to Northrup Creek Road. After crossing this gravel road, the trail curves to the right through attractive forest back to the trailhead.