Mill Flat Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

No parking fees, no facilities, no cell signal, no other people in the area. Very remote area... Plentiful water available to purify and consume.

Lots of parking near the trailhead, although, the trailhead is easy to miss. There is only one small sign, nearby a small bridge, which crossed a (you guessed it) small stream. The sign could easily be hidden by vehicles.

The trail starts out in a flat meadow with some trees. Be forewarned that the entirety of the trail contained many wet and/or flooded areas (darn beavers!).

In mid-October, we were able to cross or go around all wet spots without having to get wet feet. Some go-arounds took some time to negotiate and find a dry route. YMMV any other time of the year. Much of the trail was dirt base with some rocky areas, roots, and streams to cross.

The last 4-5 miles were almost entirely uphill, sometimes steep, and sometimes with very loose gravel with drop-offs that could be very dangerous if you lost footing. The climb over the entire length was over 3,700 feet in elevation. Most of that occurred in the last few miles as you get closer to the lake.

Unfortunately, a few miles of trail take you through a burned area. It appears the fire wasn't in 2020, or at least I would guess it was prior by the new growth springing up. Ironically, it was that area where we saw the most wildlife. Several deer, and even a young bull moose. Lots of noise from coyotes overnight as well. The color of the leaves were stunning too.