The Quartz Creek route is a river trail, but not a river valley trail. Sure, it follows the creek upstream, but it doesn't exactly parallel it. This path weaves in and out of side canyons and up and down small rises and ridges, always working upstream, but seldom coming very close to the waters of Quartz Creek. When it does dip down and access the creek, however, the views are stunning.

The creek is a rugged, swift mountain river teeming with trout. Several good campsites are easily accessible, many of them near the shores of the creek, and the scenery near and away from the river is spectacular. The side canyons and ravines are often cut down the middle by rushing tributary creeks that thunder through narrow slots and bound over steep drops. The forest that shades the entire route is dominated by deep, old groves of Douglas-fir and western red cedar, and the high, shimmering cliff walls of Quartz Canyon are beautiful.

The trail rolls up and down as it meanders up the Quartz Creek valley for several miles. The first mile actually makes use of an ancient miner's road, though nature has reclaimed most of the old roadbed, leaving just a single track to follow. You might still find a few rusty hulks along the path, though-the last dingy remains of miners' broken dreams.

The trail crosses Platinum Creek at about 0.75 mile. No bridge exists, so you'll need to ford the creek. This is generally easily accomplished unless the creek is swollen with snowmelt early in the year. As with all river crossings, use extreme caution.

At 2 miles, the trail brings you to the second river crossing, though this time there is (usually) a stable footlog to bridge Straight Creek. The forest adjoining Straight Creek is mostly old second-growth, but it's grown up nicely. Just across the creek, you'll find the first of the fine campsites that dot this route.

Push on another 2 miles, passing yet another old (1970s-era) clear-cut full of young trees and then more ancient forest. You'll find the third creek crossing, at Snagtooth Creek, 4 miles out. There are campsites here for those who want them, and for day hikers, Snagtooth makes a wonderful place to stop and rest before turning back.