Mineral Creek Trail

Mineral Creek Trail (#1331, ref TR 1331) is a long-distance hiking route in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that provides access into the Pacific Crest Trail through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It’s managed as a hiker-only path (no bicycles, no horses).

The route starts from Forest Road 46 and works its way from the valley floor into the steep alpine terrain ahead. Early on, it drops to cross the Kachess River before beginning sustained climbing toward the Park Lakes area.

The middle of the hike follows an old mining road segment through old-growth forest, then transitions into more rugged wilderness terrain running high above Mineral Creek. Expect brushy avalanche clearings interspersed with forest as the trail gains elevation.

Around the four-mile mark, the trail crosses a creek and starts climbing steeply through forest toward Upper Park Lake. Near the lake, the character changes into Park Lakes Basin—trees, meadows, and rolling terrain around the basin.

From the Park Lakes Basin area, the route continues upward to its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, which is the key “handoff” for longer itineraries into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and along the PCT.

Plan for wilderness-style constraints on-corridor: camping is centered on the destination areas (not the basin itself). Park Lakes Basin has a no-campfires restriction, and wilderness camping requires a permit (with self-issue at the trailhead for the wilderness permit).

Trail conditions can be rough and variable in steep sections, with a mix of soft/loose dirt and occasional obstacles like blowdowns. The first approach portion to Park Lake is described as thick brush where the trail path may be easier to spot than the ground, so pace yourself accordingly.

More information: Visitor information, Mineral Creek - Washington Trails Association, Park Lakes - Washington Trails Association