Hike Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs

Easily the most popular hike in Steamboat Springs, FishCreek Falls earns its popularity not just by its close proximity to town, butby its spectacular waterfalls. If you are a waterfall aficionado, then thishike is for you.

Just 3.5 miles from Main Street in Steamboat, the hike tothe Lower and Upper falls is less than 2.5 miles each way, for a total of lessthan 5 miles. You’ll park in spacious parking area for which there is a $5all-day fee. Due to the popularity of this hike, the lots will fill in peakseason by 10:00 am, so start early. The trailhead is also well-equipped withbathrooms, a water fountain, and a picnic area.

NOTE: If you enjoy photographing waterfalls, you’ll want toget to the lower falls before the sun crests the ridge; otherwise, the sun’srays will be in your eyes (and camera lens) and reflecting brilliantly off thewater, messing up your beautiful shots.

The Lower Falls is just ¼ mile from the parking lot. Theimpressive 280-foot falls and creek give you a “wow factor” from the verystart. The majority of visitors will not venture much further than this, whichis a shame, because the rest of the hike is gorgeous as well.

Cross the bridge and continue on the trail, which climbs thecanyon wall for another 2 miles or so. At 1400 feet (427 m) elevation gain, thetrail is moderately steep, so be prepared with proper hiking shoes and gear.Most of this 2 miles is through the forest, but the view does open up at times,giving you a nice view of the canyon. There is also an impressive section ofaspen trees, making this a worthy hike in the fall, as well. If you hearrushing water close by, go ahead and venture off-trail; you will find anothersmall falls through the dense foliage.

After you cross another bridge, you are about ½ mile fromyour destination. The view opens up a bit, and you can see the town ofSteamboat Springs lying in the valley below. After crossing a short cliff face,there is another small falls just off the trail, surrounded by wildflowers(when in season). Take some pictures but keep going, however; the Upper Falls lie 10 minutes ahead.

You’ll crest into a natural resting area, and that is wherethe Upper Falls is. These falls are not as tall as the Lower Falls, but just asbeautiful. You can get quite close to these falls (using a lot of caution!),and it is situated beautifully for photography. Some shaded rocks make for anatural resting area with plenty of friendly (read, “fed by humans”) chipmunks.Bring the bug spray, though; the mosquitoes and flies are thick up here due toall the moisture in the air!

Ambitious hikers may want to continue another 4 miles up toLong Lake; the rest of us will enjoy the falls all over again on the way down.