When I first spotted the Safety Harbor Creek trail on the map, I didn’t think much of it, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. On a previous loop hike around Uno Peak, I had enjoyed the upper section of the trail along the creek, and later noticed the lower stretch cutting across cliffs below Nelson Butte. Since the route showed little elevation gain, I thought it might make for a good family outing, even if expectations were low. We started from the Safety Harbor Creek trailhead, uncertain about the views and trail conditions, but to our delight the path was in excellent shape aside from a couple of slightly overgrown patches. Although wildfire smoke limited long-distance views, making it difficult to see Lake Chelan clearly, the air wasn’t oppressive, and I was glad we didn't abandon the hike due to the smoke. Along the way, we spotted a grouse, found fresh bear scat, and imagined the chance of seeing a black bear, though no luck this time.
The trail itself is nice, including a mixture of open areas and more forested and sun protected sections. There are a couple of passages through blasted rock bands. After a little over three miles, we reached the junction with the Uno Peak trail. I was up for continuing hiking up the trail, but my wife and son weren't interested and I had hiked it earlier in the year with doing the Uno Peak Loop. We opted to follow a side path a couple hundred yards down to the creek, where we found shade and a good lunch spot beside the old dam. The return was quiet and uneventful, apart from two dirt bikers passing us by. Overall, it proved to be a scenic and moderate hike, one I’d gladly repeat if not for the long forest service road drive. Without the smoke, the views would have been even better, but even as it was, the outing felt rewarding and family-friendly.
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