Upper Browns Creek Trail #1429

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Commonly Bikepacked

Much (if not most) of this trail above the waterfall is hike-a-bike. Those willing to suffer through mounting and dismounting, super technical climbing, and backcountry trail conditions will be generously rewarded with incredible scenery, a refreshing alpine lake, and a rough and rowdy descent back to the car.

Assuming you've approached from the main Browns Creek Trailhead along County Road 272, look for this trail to veer to the right, off the CT - Segment 14: Highway 50 to Chalk Creek TH, just after crossing Little Browns Creek. The trail here is mostly easy-going, with occasional more technical sections and lots of hiker traffic. Just under a mile from the start, there's an off-shoot to Browns Creek Falls—take it! Especially in the spring, these falls are breathtaking and well worth the short side trip.

If you plan to continue up Brown Creek Trail, past the falls, heed the above warning. You'll be hiking extended sections of the trail. While it's only about 3.5 miles and 1,500 vertical feet to Browns Lake from this point, the trail's rugged character—large embedded granite boulders punctuated by loose baby heads—makes this a hard-fought effort that feels roughly twice as far as the numbers suggest.

Once you arrive atop a particularly steep and trying section of trail, you'll be rewarded when the view finally opens up a bit. But make no mistake, the lake is a ways off yet. Enjoy the sheer granite slabs that line either side of the valley, the high ridges and spires above them, and the remote, backcountry feel of the trail as you hammer out the last bit to the lake. Upon reaching the lake, have a snack, filter some water, and take a dip if you're so inclined (and if the weather allows) before either turning around for a wild descent or continuing up the drainage to Upper Browns Creek 4x4.