North Fork Trail

Overview

From the trailhead, head north, slowly ascending the east side of the North Fork of the Trinity River.<br><br>Cross Rattlesnake Creek at 5 miles. From here, the Rattlesnake Creek Trail heads to remote Papoose Lake. Stay left on the North Fork Trail.<br><br>At about 8 miles arrive at historic Jorstad Cabin. About a half mile later, follow the trail as it turns from north to east and begins to ascend Grizzly Creek.<br><br>Pass the junction for the China Spring Trail at about 13.25 miles.<br><br>Continue on a level section of trail for about 2 miles, paralleling Grizzly Creek through old-growth forest. <br><br>The trail begins to climb again and emerges onto open rock and then passes by a tall waterfall on Grizzly Creek. Keep climbing past numerous waterfalls. At length you'll see Grizzly Falls and Thompson Peak - the highest in the Trinity Alps - ahead. <br><br>The trail levels off again and traverses Grizzly Meadows. There are several good campsites here. After the meadows, climb steep switchbacks next to the falls. The climb takes you to a rocky bench with fantastic views of Grizzly Meadows. <br><br>From the bench, climb again, up a talus slope with cairns marking the way. At the top you'll be rewarded with Grizzly Lake at the end of the trail.

Trail Stats

Photos

In the meadow looking up towards the scramble and the lake

In the meadow looking up towards the scramble and the lake

The scramble trail to Grizzly Lake climbs the broken slopes to the left.

The scramble trail to Grizzly Lake climbs the broken slopes to the left.

Climbing up the steep scramble trail to the lake.

Climbing up the steep scramble trail to the lake.

Thompson Peak from Grizzly Meadow

Thompson Peak from Grizzly Meadow

Grizzly Lake from the slopes of Thompson Peak

Grizzly Lake from the slopes of Thompson Peak

Crossing the outlet of Grizzly Lake, 20 feet from a 200-foot cliff

Crossing the outlet of Grizzly Lake, 20 feet from a 200-foot cliff

Grizzly Lake with Thompson Peak on the horizon.

Grizzly Lake with Thompson Peak on the horizon.

Grizzly Lake with Thompson Peak on the horizon.

Grizzly Lake with Thompson Peak on the horizon.

Grizzly Lake in the Trinity Alps.

Grizzly Lake in the Trinity Alps.

Grizzly Falls

Grizzly Falls

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