Lola-Iron Creek Trail

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail is used to make a lot of other connections or can be ridden as a couple of different loops. I am going to break it up into three parts.

Part 1: (Start to Hwy 21) The trail starts at the pass where the Trap Creek trail ends. You'll start with a steep descent into the valley for Bench Creek. After the steep descent, the trail becomes very mellow and will take you down the valley. The trail is supposed to be singletrack, but has seen some poaching lately by ATVs so you may experience a wider tread as you near highway 21. This trail is usually well maintained and trees are cut out every year.

Part 2: (Hwy 21 to Bear Valley Rd. ) The section of the trail from Hwy 21 to Bear Valley road is actually best done using Bear Valley Rd to access the top of the trail. Recently, the welcome to motorcyclists who cut out most of the trees from this trail has been cause for debate, so the conditions on the trail will vary. The trail takes you by some great lakes and nice alpine meadows. Hopefully all legal issues are worked out and the trail can return to normal maintenance that is provided by motorcyclists.

Part 3: (End to Bear Valley Rd.) This section is quite difficult riding and is best ridden from Cape Horn Summit on Bear Valley Rd, as the climb from the Lola Lakes trailhead is longer and more technical. Still, the initial 3-mile climb from the road up to where the trail starts to descend into the Lola Creek drainage is quite steep, loose, and rocky and will require significant hike-a-biking to make the upper ridgeline. The initial trail section is within an old burn so can have some downed trees, but the struggle is worth the payoff up top with spectacular views. Once on the high ridge and upper Lola Lake comes into view, look for a rock cairn on the right that marks the steep and loose descent into the Lola Creek drainage. It is worth noting that continuing north on the ridgeline about a mile from here, over a couple of false summits, Cape Horn peak will provide the traveler with some further great views of the Frank Church, Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains, as well as Collie Lake below. Once you have caught your breath and are ready for the descent into the trees, get ready for a wild, chunky ride -- this is backcountry riding payoff. Toward trail bottom, keep an eye out for elk.