West Fork Oak Creek Trail

Beautiful 3.2 mile each way hike along Oak Creek. Hiking through conference forest and towering rock cliffs. 13 stream crossings, though, water level was low enough that most were easily crossed on rocks or tree branches. Hiking poles or staff would aid your balance at the crossings. This trail would be much more challenging if the water level was higher. My hike was in early March a Creek water level was low.

Easy hike with little elevation changes. Some larger “steps” and slippery areas. Around 7 miles out and back. Too cold to hike stream in January at end of trail. Wear good hiking boots, preferably waterproof, as lots of river crossings. It is very chilly and shaded for a majority of this hike. Dress warmer than expected at start dependent on time of year. Paved parking lot but have to pay park fee of $15.00.

Is it a spectacular hike if you can scramble over 13 crossings over the river one direction and then do it again on the way back. In total, the hike is 6 and 1/2 mi. The parking lot gets very full very early in the day. We were there at 8:45 a.m. on a Wednesday and we had almost the last spot. There are restrooms at the parking lot with hand sanitizer next to them. The trail is wide and mostly flat with a little elevation gain now and then, but there are many places where you have to step up or scramble over rocks. I saw many people in their late '70s and '80s doing the hike, and most people used hiking poles even if they were younger and more experienced. It's especially helpful when you cross the river. If you can go in the fall, the colors are spectacular against the canyon with the red, orange, and yellow colors being highlighted by the sun peeking through the canyon walls. Absolutely breathtaking! Definitely do this hike if you can handle the river scramble. If you don't want to try and cross over rocks and or logs, bring waterproof shoes and you can walk through the river at least during the fall when it's lower. I would imagine that changes significantly during spring runoff.

Parking not a problem 9 am beginning of January. Snow on the ground. Ice on trails. The trail is beautiful, scenic and epic for the 13 creeks you have to cross. Bring water proof shoes and 13 extra socks. If possible grab a stick or bring hiking sticks to help balance while getting over the creeks, however remember ice is ice and you may slip. That's ok , mentally prepare to walk through water and get your shoes wet. Amazing workout with stunning views. I stepped into the water a lot, I slipped on the ice and I somehow broke a nail.. all worth it!

We came here to see the autumn colors during the third week of October and throughly enjoyed our hike. Parking wasn’t an issue on a Thursday, but it does cost a reasonable fee of $15 per vehicle with up to 5 riders. Our National Park’s Golden Pass didn’t work here even this was a part of the National Forest. It does,have, vaulted toilets in fairly clean bathrooms. There were many colors, cool air and red rocks to see along the way. While the entire trail was 7 miles one way, but only the first 3.3 miles were maintained with 13 river crossings. We only hiked 2 miles along the creek before heading back. The views were pretty amazing, though nothing like the autumn colors of Northeast. The river crossings were easy in October when the water level was low. Although not necessary, but hiking poles and boots were very helpful. We saw people in regular dresses and street shoes, along with many toddlers waking on this trail, so it was fairly easy, at least for the first two miles or so. We also saw many well behaved dogs on the trail. Leashed dogs are allowed here per a sign near the entrance. This trail was popular l, but not overly crowded on a weekday. When we drove by on a Saturday and witnessed a massive amount of cars parked along the highway close to the trail head.