Rose Creek Trail

Overview

A steady, strenuous out-and-back to a vivid red-walled cirque lake, this trail climbs along Rose Creek from Rising Sun to Otokomi Lake. Expect roughly 10.4 miles total (some sources report up to ~10.9) with about 1,900–2,300 feet of elevation gain. It’s a sustained grade rather than technical, but it’s a workout.

Route and Experience

From the Rising Sun Motor Inn area, the path slips behind cabins and tracks the east bank of Rose Creek. Within the first half-mile you enter the 2015 Reynolds Creek burn—a now-sunny corridor bursting with wildflowers in season. Around two miles in, the trail steps away from the creek, crosses a small tributary, and offers views of Rose Creek Falls, a pretty series of cascades. Past ~3 miles, manageable switchbacks pull you through Douglas-fir and lodgepole before the forest gives way to scree and big views. Near five miles, the trail bends down toward the creek and delivers you to Otokomi Lake’s stony shores. The north side has inviting beach spots; when flows allow, crossing to the south side rewards you with the most dramatic perspectives of the red cirque walls.

Scenery and Geology

This basin shines for its iron-rich argillite—classic Belt rocks whose oxidation paints the cliffs deep red. The cirque, headwalls, and U-shaped valley are textbook glacial carving. Along the way: cascades and pools on Rose Creek, wildflowers in the burn, and the satisfying contrast of forested miles giving way to open, high-country views.

Wildlife and What to Watch For

Bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goats turn up in this valley, and anglers and kids alike often spot cutthroat trout cruising the lake’s clear shallows. This is prime bear country—make noise, carry bear spray, and be smart with food.

Conditions, Effort, and Crowd Level

It’s a sustained climb with sections of loose scree and patches of limited shade. Snow can linger into early summer, especially near the basin, and bugs can spike in the forested stretches. Despite the quality, you’ll usually see far fewer people here than on the park’s marquee east-side hikes.

Logistics and Tips

Park at Rising Sun and find the trailhead at the northwest corner of the lot; there are restrooms and water at the motor inn area and a pit toilet near the lakeside campground. The park’s shuttle typically serves Rising Sun in peak season—handy if parking fills. Start early, download offline maps (cell service is unreliable), bring sun protection and bug spray, and consider trekking poles for the scree.

Best Time to Hike

Go after seasonal snow has melted for the smoothest day, with early starts favored for cooler temps and softer light on the red walls. Wildflowers in the burn area make mid-season especially pretty; late season can be quieter and breezier at the lake.

Is It Worth It?

If you want a demanding but straightforward day to a striking cirque and prefer fewer crowds, this is a great pick. If you’re chasing a single blockbuster day with over-the-top scenery, you might compare this with other big east-side destinations in the park; still, the red-rock drama of Rose Basin and the creek’s cascades make this one quietly memorable.