The inlet beach at Stanley Lake is a great place to start or finish your hike up the Stanley Lake Creek Canyon.
Stanley Lake Creek and Elk Mountain Trailhead.
Stanley Lake Creek and Elk Mountain Trailhead.
New singletrack connector trail from the Elk Mountain and Stanley Lake Creek Trailhead. This was built to divert traffic around riparian areas along the old trail that followed the creek. Both the new and old trail are wheelchiar accessible.
Junction and trail sign in a box at the junction with the new Elk Mountain and Stanley Lake Creek Trailhead connector.
Beautiful meadow views up Stanley Lake Creek Canyon. McGown peak is on the left.
Looking back into the Stanley Lake "inlet" campground where the alternate trailhead is located.
Wildflower kiosk at the alternate Stanley Lake Trailhead located in the "inlet" campground.
The trail leaving "inlet" campground follows Stanley Lake Creek and offers some stunning views.
The sandy bottom of Stanley Lake Creek is a fun place to explore, though the water is quite chilly.
Some of the meanders along Stanley Lake Creek can accomodate backpackers looking for an easy, short overnight option for kids. All campfires need to be contained in firepans or fire blankets.
McGown Peak and Stanley Lake Creek.
The wheelchair-accessible trail is also great for young kids on bikes.
An August view of Mystery Mountain (left) and McGown Peak (right) along the Stanley Lake Creek Trail.
Stunning wildflowers bloom in the Stanley Lake Creek meadows in June and July.
Trail sign at the Stanley Lake Creek and Alpine Way junction.
The trail up Stanley Lake Creek follows an old mining road to the Greenback Mine. It has been converted to a singletrack trail, but remnants of the old road bed are obvious at times.
The Stanley Lake Creek Trail is wide and easy hiking. It is a great option for kids, bikes, and those looking for a gentle day hike. It is even possible to pull a double chariot-type child stroller behind your mountain bike.
The gorge downstream from Lady Face Falls on Stanley Lake Creek.
Lady Face Falls. Actually getting this view takes some dicey scrambling down granite slabs covered in granitic sand. Be careful near the edge!