North Fork Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers

From the trailhead, head north, slowly ascending the east side of the North Fork of the Trinity River.

Cross Rattlesnake Creek at 5 miles. From here, the Rattlesnake Creek Trail heads to remote Papoose Lake. Stay left on the North Fork Trail.

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.

Pass the junction for the China Spring Trail at about 13.25 miles.

Continue on a level section of trail for about 2 miles, paralleling Grizzly Creek through old-growth forest.

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.

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.

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.

Look for Douglas-fir, sugar pine, madrone, and oaks in the lower sections of trail.