Lower Newhalem Creek Trail

Lower Newhalem Creek Trail is a 0.6-mile out-and-back down a side path to Newhalem Creek and a cedar glade. Allow about 30–45 minutes with a pause by the water. It’s an easy, worthwhile detour if you’re already near Newhalem, but too short to plan a day around. The distance starts at the branch junction; the walk in from the campground adds mileage.

From Newhalem Creek Campground’s Loop C, follow the service road about 0.3 mile east, past the steel-grated creek bridge. The shared Rock Shelter path begins there; the creek branch turns left before the rock shelter. This 0.6-mile figure covers the lower branch out and back, not the campground approach or the separate rock-shelter walk.

The route is short and mostly gentle, though the last reach ends above a steep creek bank. Take care near the edge.

The destination is described as an old-growth cedar glade, but much of it burned in the 2015 fires. A later trail report recorded young cedar, fir, pine and hemlock returning. Come for the creek and a quick look at that recovery, not a grand stand of untouched old trees.