Long Lost Creek

Hikes: D, O, W.
Total Distance, W: 14 miles.
Difficulty: Levels I, II.
Season: July 4-September 20.
USGS Maps: Massacre Mtn, Short Creek.
Forest Service Map: Challis N.F.
Dirt Road Miles: 8 gravel, 7 good dirt, 2 poor dirt.
PLSS Location: Section 36, T9N R24E.

Introduction: This hike contrasts sharply with your explorations of the Borah Fault area. The west side of the Lost River Range is the faulted side, the east side the gentle side. Here, in the shadow of 12,000 foot peaks like Breitenbach, you can make a rare loop hike that takes you past mountains of road penetrates one of the two valleys, the other is heavily grazed, and heavy horse use has degraded the area of Swauger Lake. Nevertheless, the spectacular scenery makes it a worthwhile hike. The trails up Dry Creek and Long Lost Creek are fairly level and easy to follow, Level I; the loop hike up and over past the Swauger Lakes is Level II, with steep rocky stretches, but always trail to follow.

The Hike: Dayhikers can hike up Dry Creek to a view of Breitenbach; overnighters can go up either creek, with Long Lost less grazed but semi roaded; weekenders can do the loop past Swauger Lakes, 14 miles, or elect to penetrate far up either creek. The trails essentially start just across Long Lost Creek, with the Dry Creek Trail cutting right as a road and crossing Dry Creek (both creeks have water that needs boiling, all year long). The Long Lost Trail goes left, as does the road.
  To hike the loop, go up Dry Creek about 4 miles to the junction with the Swauger Lakes Trail (W1). Along the way there are a few campsites and a lot of cows, a large landslide across the creek (note the red scars on the ridge to the south, and the way the slide pushed the creek towards your side of the valley), and views of high, high mountains up the valley. At a large beaver pond which reflects the glory of this valley, the Swauger Lakes Trail cuts left and climbs in the dry creek bed for a while, passing a small spring which is your last source of good water for five long miles.
  The trail has some steep rocky stretches where it climbs out of the creek bed, but it finally settles down and offers views to the west, of 11509's many avalanche chutes, and to the south of the delirious ridge west of Swauger Lake. The Lakes area (O) is disappointing. It is small, heavily used by horses. and has no campsites. The trail climbs to the outlet of the big lake, and then cuts right and gently climbs/traverses to the pass area. There are good campsites in the valley below the trail, and at the pass.
  The descent from the pass is tricky, for the trail is poorly defined at first. Bear to your left until you reach some springs, then bear right and descend a sagebrush divide to a better defined trail. There are good campsites in the flats your map shows at 9000 feet. Again, the trail varies from your USGS map, passing a waterfall and then cutting back to the right to cross to the south side of the creek, where it lazily switchbacks down to the Long Lost Trail (W2).
  Up until the point that your route joins that trail up Long Lost Creek, it has rather boringly followed a jeep road. This "road" is an excellent example of a "way", a route used by 4 wheeled vehicles but never improved by mechanical means just a place where motor maniacs have been able to push through in their vehicles. The way crosses a bog and ends about 0.5 miles past where the Swauger Lakes Trail joins it, near a spring which offers very good water.
  The very best and most numerous campsites of the area are near here. As you pass the spring, note the benches on the opposite side of the Creek. There are two levels of benches, with superb camping. The best and most environmentally sound sites are on the higher bench, out of sight and away from the stream's side. Just past the benches, you cross the creek as shown on the map. You then come to the Hell Canyon creek and see a trail divide. An ancient sign points up Long Lost Creek to the pass just west of Castle Peak, and says, "Cedar Creek". If you continue up this trail, you pass through a fine forest and come to views of Castle Peak and the trail approaching the pass.

Extensions: You might try the old trail over Cedar Creek Pass, which obviously hasn't been maintained in several decades. It passes right under the snowfields of Castle Peak's north face, and might not open until late July, if indeed it hasn't been obliterated by avalanches. You could also climb up Hell Canyon to Shadow Lake, or continue up Dry Canyon to the foot of Breitenbach.

Access: Drive to Howe, Idaho, at the base of the Little Lost River Valley, on ID 22/33. Then drive 28 1/2 miles up the valley road to the old school at Clyde. Turn left on Pass Creek Pass Road to Mackay, drive 8 miles, and just past a cattleguard turn right on the Dry Creek Road (W3). Maintenance on this road does happen; perhaps you'll be exceptionally lucky, and able to bumplessly drive all the way to the bench trailhead; perhaps you'll have to walk a mile or so of road.
  After 6 miles, you look into the Dry Creek valley and start a descent. Depending on road maintenance, cars should probably park here (T1). Four wheel drive vehicles may continue a mile down the road to the lower trailhead, on a bench with a stunning view up Dry Creek (T2). Park here and walk the last 1/2 mile to the crossing of Long Lost Creek, the trailhead. There are cowpie campsites all around the area and along both trails.