Bear River - Smith Fork

This trail was originally constructed as the main access across the North Slope of the Uintas. The trail also has been known as the telephone line trail because the main telephone line from the Whitney Guard Station to the Hewinta Guard Station follows this route. The trail runs west to east across drainages through meadows, conifer forests and across high passes. Most of the trails into the High Uinta Wilderness, branch off this trail. There are many scenic vistas along this route.

Ruth Lake

This trail is easy to hike even for small children and is therefor an ideal hike for the entire family. There are other lakes in the area which don't have developed trails to them. These lakes are easy to locate if you bring your topographical map along.

Middle Fork Blacks Fork Trail

This is a little used trail with Bobs Lake and other small lakes at the head of the drainage. There are good campsites along the full length along the Middle Fork Creek. The upper Basin lies at the base of Tokewanna Peak. A climb to the peak from here is over open grassy terrain and tundra to the top, at 13,165 feet. The Middle Fork Drainage is a low use area, both among horse groups and hikers. Its trail at the present time is in a primitive condition; the old system of blaze marks on the trees still remains: one large slash mark. People traveling into this area should have a good map, due to the difficulty in locating the trail at times. The creek crossings are not well marked. The area, however, has remains of many old cabins along the way and provides easy access to high peaks, small lakes, and a variety of wildlife such as deer, elk, hawks, and coyotes.

Main Fork Stillwater

This trail follows the Main Fork for 3.3 miles through Lodgepole Pine forest and small meadows to its end at Hell Hole Lake, which has a partly open shoreline. The surrounding terrain is scenic and composed of large, boggy meadows and thick patches of conifers.

Stillwater Fork and Middle Basin

This is a broad, fairly level trail which is generally in good condition (except for a few large mudholes). It rises gently through meadows of grass and wildflowers as well as stands of Lodgepole Pine. From the first trail junction you will have a moderate climb over a well marked trail, until you get up into the more level terrain in the upper Basin. A hike through these upper meadows to Ryder and McPheters Lakes offers some beautiful vistas of craggy peaks and classic alpine scenery. Ryder and McPheters Lakes cover about 25 acres each, located in glacial cirques with the Uinta Crest right above and to the south.

Boundary Creek

This trail switches back from the canyon bottom onto a bench, then gradually upward through conifer forest and small meadows. In some areas, there are old tie hack cabins. The upper portions of this trail are difficult to find, but by following the stream you will come to Baker Lake. The upper basin is a nice spot and well worth the hike to it.

East Fork of Bear River and Norice & Priord Lakes

The East Fork of the Bear River trail runs along the stream where you will find old cabins tucked in the trees. Going on south about four miles you come to a trail junction. The Left Fork goes to AlIsop Lake and the Right Fork goes on to Norice and Priord Lakes. The trail rises gently at stream grade all the way and is not difficult hiking except for the river crossings, which can be tough. The trail crosses the stream several times and often you must search for a suitable log to cross on. Early in the summer, some parts of the trail may be under the edge of the river. The trail stays in the trees so you will not see the broad vistas until you get to higher elevations. At the head of the basin are two lakes: Norice and Priord. The trail will lead you right to Norice Lake, but peters out on the way to Priord. To find Priord Lake, follow the small streams which feed into Norice on its western side; they flow down from Priord.

West Fork of Blacks Fork and Dead Horse Lake

About 1/4 mile below Dead Horse Lake, the trail intersects with the East Fork Blacks Fork trail going to Red Knob Pass. By following this trail east for 2.5 miles you come to Red Knob Pass. The trail up to the pass is steep and rocky. As you reach the top, you will see four drainages in the following order: The main fork of the West Fork Blacks Fork from which you just came, a small eastern fork of the West Fork Blacks Fork, the Lake Fork, and the East Fork Blacks Fork. It is possible to descend into any of these, so bring your topographical map and make sure you have the right drainage before starting down.

Above Dead Horse Lake, a steep rocky trail leads up the ridge to Dead Horse Pass. This trail is a tough climb, not recommended for inexperienced high-country travelers. From Dead Horse Pass a trail leads south and down into the Rock Creek drainage. Both Pass's (Red Knob & Deadhorse) are often covered with snow late into summer, especially Dead Horse Pass. Ask for current conditions at the Ranger Stations.

This area comprises the head waters of the West Fork Blacks Fork River. The canyon bottom opens up into lush green meadows, conifer forests and views of high rocky peaks. Dead Horse Lake is quite a bit larger, but both have fair fishing late in the season. There are good camping spots in the Dead Horse Lake area.

East Fork Blacks Fork

This is a nice high elevation hike with many scenic vistas.

Little East Fork Blacks Fork and Squaw Pass

This is a nice multiple day hike with much variety.

Kermsuh Lake and West Basin

This is a broad, fairly level trail which is generally in good condition (except for a few large mudholes). It rises gently through meadows of grass and wildflowers as well as stands of Lodgepole Pine. From the first trail junction you will have a moderate climb over a well-marked trail, to the Kermsuh Lake Junction. From here you climb steeply to get onto the basin below Hayden Peak. Kermsuh Lake lies at the head of the Basin, just across the ridge north of Ryder and McPheters Lakes in Middle Basin. It is a nice place for camping, fishing and solitude; not too crowded. The meadows and surrounding camp areas, a half mile below the lake, offer good protection from the weather and ample firewood if conserved.

Whiskey Creek

This trail is actually constructed for 1,700 feet only. At this point a game trail extends up the hill for .7 mile and ends at Bourbon Lake, 9,820 feet elevation. The constructed trail is easy to follow but the remainder of the trail can be difficult. The trail ends at Bourbon Lake which is located at the foot of a steep jagged peak. The area around the lake is coniferous forest.

Amethyst Lake

This is a Broad, fairly level trail which is generally in good condition (except for a few large mudholes). It rises gently through meadows of grass and wildflowers as well as stands of Lodgepole Pine. At the first trail junction, take the left-hand fork trail (it is well marked), which goes up Ostler Creek. The trail will be very steep for the first two miles, but then levels out in a meadow basin area. Amethyst Lake has no trail to it, so bring a good topographical map (available at the Bear River Ranger Station) and a compass. You should plan to camp in the area adjacent to the large meadow below Amethyst Lake since firewood is scarce higher up and there is more protection from the weather here.

Left Hand Fork, East Fork Bear and Allsop Lake

The trail follows the stream through open glades and meadows to Allsop Lake. It is a fairly gently rising trail and involves no river crossings. Nice view of the Falls within 1/4 mile of the junction. The lake itself is located just under the crest of the Uintas and surrounded by some of the most beautiful wildflower meadows on the district.

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