Backpack the Sweeney Creek Trail

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Added by Liz Song

In the early summer, the first mile is a huckleberry haven (Shh, don't tell!). And you'll pretty much get awesome views for most of the trail since it starts so high up. After a hefty climb, the views totally pay off. It's 100% worth it to sit any overlook the Sweeney Creek drainage. And the lake, well, it's gorgeous year around.

The hike into Duffy Lake was approximately 7 miles with ~2600' gain. The first mile or two is fairly steep, then it will wiggle up and down the mountain until it drops down into the drainage to the lake. You can hike to Holloway Lake too if the trail isn't completely covered in snow. Late spring will still be fairly snowy, so beware and pack accordingly. Otherwise, summer and fall is a great time to hike or backpack on this trail.

You get a really nice array of open meadows, boulders, and forest through the whole hike. The trail is fairly well marked so you shouldn't have a problem navigating. Overall, this trail can definitely be strenuous at times, but it's well worth the pay off, and really nothing you probably can't handle if you hike.

For more info, check out the trip here: Snowqueenandscout.com

Pack List

DAY HIKE:

Plenty of water for the first portion of the hike
Plenty of snacks for a long day of hiking

BACKPACKING:

Shelter
Sleeping bag
Mat or pad
Layers
Stove
Pack
Headlamp
The usual suspects

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Photography, Running, Backpacking, Hiking, Fitness

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Season:

Summer, Autumn

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

14 Miles

Elev. Gain:

2600 Feet

Rating:

Rate this Adventure

Features:

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Lake

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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How to Get There

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Added by Liz Song

I’m a curious explorer, through and through. My current passion project is to figure how to make wilderness backpacking simple for women who are starting out. It's happening over here: www.snowqueenandscout.com

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