Sauerkraut Wall Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bring bear spray.

One of the newest running trails in the Lincoln Ranger District, the Sauerkraut Wall Trail consists of a series of switchbacks down the side of a narrow valley to Sauerkraut Creek. The trail cuts downwards through a conifer and aspen forest, with several open meadow-like areas. From early spring through summer, wildflowers can be found blooming both along the path and in these meadows. The most common flowers to see are Indian Paintbrush, Bear Grass, and Lupine varieties. Birdwatching is also plentiful for visitors to the area.

The trail ends at Sauerkraut Creek, where a small footbridge leads across the stream to a campsite on the other side. To see the namesake wall, runners can cross the bridge and cut through the campsite to an old logging road on the opposite side. Turn left and follow the road south past an abandoned cabin, and the wall can be seen bordering the nearside of the stream. The wall itself was built in the early 1900s by Chinese immigrants, and serves as an artificial levee for the stream during spring floods.

All in all, the Sauerkraut Wall Trail is a good day run for anyone looking for a quick and easy adventure and features scenic views, plentiful flora and fauna, and a firsthand view of some local history.

DIRECTIONS:
From Lincoln, take MT-200 to Dalton Mountain Road, approximately 3 miles. Turn left and follow the road for 5.8 miles to Moose Creek Road/FS Road 1892. Turn right. After 2.5 miles, a sign for Sauerkraut Wall Trail will direct you to turn right onto a small path that leads directly to the trailhead. It is recommended that only high-clearance and/or four-wheel drive vehicles continue onwards to the trailhead from Moose Creek Road.