The Strawberry Hot Springs Trail is a nice trail for hiking or biking. It is a great trail for a quick escape or to access the other side of town. Read on to find out why this trail is worth taking the time and effort to hike or bike.
Finding the Strawberry Hot Springs Trail
The Strawberry Hot Springs Trail starts from the Mad Creek Trail parking lot. From town, it is just a short drive north on Route 129. The parking lot is huge, so parking won’t be an issue. I think most people hike the Mad Creek Trail. From the parking lot, head south along the road. Turn left on the gravel road, walk up and around the gate, then continue until you see the trailhead on the right. This part, and the first part of the trail are in the sun. As a result, choose your hiking time wisely. Be prepared with sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and a hat. As a side note, I love these Solbari hats. They are really well made and comfortable to wear.
Description of the Trail
This trail is not difficult. It’s an easy hike. I don’t think it would be considered beginner cross country biking single track. It’s twisty, not physically demanding. The first section goes through an open field. There are pretty views. It is slightly rolling terrain the entire time. Except for the time in the sun, it’s quite a pleasant walk along Hot Springs Creek. Once the trail merges with the creek, it closes in significantly on both sides. When the foliage is out, it would be hard to see a predator until it was very close. Keep this in mind and maybe pick a time to hike when wildlife is less active. There are mountain lions in the area. The trail follows the creek for most of the rest of the hike. The creek isn’t very big, but it is pretty. At the end, you reach the Strawberry Hot Springs.
Use Options for the Strawberry Hot Springs Trail
There are several use options for the Strawberry Hot Springs Trail. First, you can hike it out and back. That’s what I did. It’s about 6 miles round trip. Second, you can hike it up to Strawberry Hot Springs. The hot springs look lovely. Just be sure to make a reservation. Finally, you can use the trail to access Lower Bear Trail and beyond. When you get to the hot springs parking lot, continue out to the gravel road. Turn right and walk a short distance to the Lower Bear parking lot. That’s a great hike too. I wrote about it here.
One last reminder, the trail is closed from 12/1 to 4/15. It’s a winter range for the local elk herd.
Large Evergreen Tree
This evergreen was on the end of the trail closer to the hot springs. It's such an amazing specimen. I never can resist linking any of my posts back to trees.
