Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop

Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop is a 36.9-kilometer (22.9-mile) backpacking circuit from Paint Pots through the Helmet Falls side of the Rockwall to Tumbling Creek, then back to Paint Pots. It takes two to three days and climbs and descends about 1,885 meters. You get iron-stained springs, a 300-meter waterfall in a mountain amphitheater, and high meadows beneath a huge limestone wall. Choose it for a real backcountry crossing, not a long day hike; you need to carry a multi-day camp and plan your nights before you start.

From Paint Pots, the route passes three iron-rich springs that stain the soil orange and red. The color fades as you climb away from the basins. Forest and creekside stretches lead to the Helmet-Ochre Junction, where the route turns toward Helmet Creek. Ground can be soft around the springs, and the first part is mostly wooded, so the alpine scenery arrives later rather than right out of the lot.

Above Ochre Creek, switchbacks climb out of the valley before easing along Helmet Creek. A suspension bridge crosses the creek; beyond it, forest opens into a meadow near the patrol cabin with Helmet Falls framed by the rock amphitheater. The campground sits among trees below Limestone Peak. Pause in the meadow for the broad falls view before taking the optional rocky side trip closer to the lower waterfall. That detour is outside the loop distance; spray and wind can reach the rocks near the falls.

From the Helmet Falls area, the circuit climbs toward Rockwall Pass and crosses high meadows beneath the Rockwall's limestone cliffs. The wall rises as much as 900 meters above the trail, with hanging glaciers tucked into the steep faces. This is the route's open, exposed section, a big change from the forest below. Allow time for the climb and for the uneven footing; the high-country crossing is the part that earns the trip its effort.

After the pass, the route drops toward Tumbling Creek campground and returns to Paint Pots on the Tumbling Creek trail. The trail leaves alpine slopes for forest and prominent avalanche paths, then follows fast water past Tumbling Falls. The creek-side return completes the circuit at the same parking lot, so no shuttle is needed. Follow the mapped junctions carefully: the access trails share ground but lead to different camps and destinations.

Helmet-Ochre Junction, Helmet Falls and Tumbling Creek are designated campgrounds along the route, with tent pads, dry toilets, tables and wildlife-proof food storage. An overnight backcountry permit and campground reservations are required; random camping is not allowed from May through October. Carry all meals. No treated-water supply is confirmed at the camps, so plan to treat natural water. Pets are allowed in the backcountry but must stay leashed. Keep bear spray accessible, and be ready for stream fords and backcountry navigation.

The separate Paint Pots walk takes you about one kilometer each way to the springs and back in roughly 40 minutes. It gives you the bright mineral pools without the Rockwall climb or overnight commitment. Avalanche danger can extend from November through June in this mountain terrain; check conditions before planning a trip in that season.