Starting Point: South end of Summit Lake campground
Distances: 8 miles, one way
Topography: Downgrade 700 feet during first 3 miles, then
gradually upgrade 500 feet
Time: 6 hours, one way. Double the time for round trip
Features: Flowers, forest, lakes, wildlife, streams
[Illustration: Trail map]
Grassy Swale Creek passes through some beautiful meadows in which are
found a variety of wildflowers. Sundew, a rare, insect-eating plant, may
be found near the trail in the wet section of the meadow about one mile
northeast of Corral Meadow. Douglas spirea also makes a colorful display
here.
The trail descends along Summit Creek about 3 miles to Corral Meadow.
Here it leaves the Drakesbad trail, crosses Kings Creek and follows
along Grassy Swale Creek to the base of Crater Butte. It then follows on
to Horseshoe Lake. It may be quite wet in places until late summer.
Mosquito repellent may be needed.
This is an excellent trail for naturalists as many species of trees,
flowers, birds, and mammals can be observed.