Upper Mills Lake Trail
Historically a segment of the old Elwha Trail before the construction of the Elwha River Road.
Plan Around Upper Mills Lake Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Upper Mills Lake Trail Details
Historically a segment of the old Elwha Trail before the construction of the Elwha River Road and Whiskey Bend Road, this seldom traveled trail departs from Whiskey Bend Road, just beyond the Ranger Station and travels to its terminus near the head of the former Lake Mills. Heading down Smoky Hill, the trail uses a couple of long, gentle switchbacks as it crosses through new fir forest lined with dense salal undergrowth before quickly reaching the old lakebed. While the trail itself is fairly underwhelming, it does provide decent access to a lovely campsite, the nearby Wolf Creek, and Wolf Creek Falls, a stunning 40-foot waterfall located just downstream.
Difficulty
Distance
0.4 miles
Estimated time
20min
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Upper Mills Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Upper Mills Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Upper Mills Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Upper Mills Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Jessie Benton Fremont
An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
0.0 mi away
ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:
THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM
0.0 mi away
30-Minute Helicopter Ride
Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Airplane Tour
The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.
