Larch Creek

The Larch Creek trail is a long network of junctions connecting various trails throughout the Pasayten Wilderness to the Boundary Trail. It features endless views of mountain peaks and ridges. Wildflowers are abundant in the summer. Numerous creek crossings provide hikers with refreshment as they pass through the beautiful larches, famous for their golden glow in the fall.

This trail begins in the middle of the Pasayten Wilderness, so the best way to access it is via the Billy Goat Trail or the Hidden Lakes Trail. If starting from Hidden Lakes, turn left at the junction just after Lucky Pass. Continue down the trail along Drake Creek for 3.1 miles of little elevation gain. Right at the end of this section, ascend quickly to the junction with the Billy Goat Trail. Continue straight through Three Fools Pass. Nanny Goat Mountain is to your left, and be sure to watch out for its namesake.

Once over the pass, you run into another junction. Follow the trail left where you will cross Diamond Creek. The trail wraps around a peak, gaining very little elevation until you reach the next junction. Do not be fooled by the false junction halfway between these points - there is an unmaintained trail that branches off to the left. Continue straight past this and turn right just after crossing Larch Creek. 

Continue on this trail for 3.7 miles, gaining elevation as you approach Larch Pass headed towards McCall Gulch. Here, in the fall, stop to catch your breach and admire the stunning color of the larches. To your left is Two Point Mountain. Once over the pass, you hit another junction. To the left you can see Ashnola Mountain and Whistler Pass, both popular destinations. Turn right at the junction for a quick jaunt through McCall Gulch. At the end of the gulch, there is a side trail that provides a pleasant two-mile-detour to Corral Lake. Stop for lunch or continue past towards Peeve Pass.

After 3.7 miles, reach Peeve Pass, the end of the road. This is where Larch Creek connects to the Boundary trail. This last section of trail winds along Sand Ridge. Admire the sweeping views of ridges and peaks on all sides. Wildflowers accentuate the trail the whole way, and there are campsites for weary travelers at various points along the journey. 

This trail is part of WTA's Lost Trails Campaign. Learn more about how we're saving lost trails across the state here.