Polecat Creek Loop

Polecat Creek Loop is an easy, nearly level 2.5-mile circuit through open lodgepole pine, wet meadows and older forest beside Polecat Creek. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. The appeal is the creek, marsh and wildlife, not a summit climb. Published elevation-gain estimates range from roughly 40 to 120 feet, but the loop stays nearly level overall.

Start across the road from the north end of the large Flagg Ranch parking lot, near the horse corral and information station. The open pine forest gives way to a low ridge after about 0.4 mile, with views over the meandering creek and pond areas. The trail then passes behind the creek and heads into more mature conifers. At the northern junction, turn right for the short return to the parking lot; continuing straight takes you toward Flagg Canyon Trail. The tread is narrow, vegetation-covered and not maintained, so pay attention at that junction.

The west side follows a ridge above marsh habitat. Look over the water for ducks and other waterfowl; in spring you may see ducklings. Early or late in the day, watch for ripples from beavers, muskrats or otters along the creek bank. Those are chances, not guarantees, but the wetland is the reason to take this loop slowly.

The route crosses ground burned in the 2016 Berry Fire. Openings between the lodgepole pines let sunlight reach harebells and sulphur buckwheat, while young limber pines and Douglas-firs grow under the older trees. You get a changing mix of open regrowth and mature forest instead of one long stretch of the same woods.

Pets are not allowed, and no reservation or separate activity fee is required; the general park entrance fee may apply. The trail is listed for spring, summer and fall. At Flagg Ranch, Sheffields Restaurant at the lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the convenience store has snacks and easy meals. Those services are at the trail access, not along the loop.