GRANITE CREEK FALLS
GRANITE CREEK FALLS
WATERFALL : Granite Creek Falls
DROP: 10' and hundreds of feet
WATERFALL TYPE: Plunge and serious cascades
DISTANCE CAR TO FALLS: 2.3 miles to Granite Falls, & about 8.5 miles to the back wall of A Peak 8634'
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Treasure Mountain & Snowshoe Peak topes
GPS: Approximate coordinates 48°17’?13” N 115°40’14” W
DROP: 10' and hundreds of feet
WATERFALL TYPE: Plunge and serious cascades
DISTANCE CAR TO FALLS: 2.3 miles to Granite Falls, & about 8.5 miles to the back wall of A Peak 8634'
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Treasure Mountain & Snowshoe Peak topes
GPS: Approximate coordinates 48°17’?13” N 115°40’14” W
DESCRIPTION:
The trial starts out in the forest and climb steadily for about 2.3 miles to a nice 10' tall waterfall on Granite Creek. In the spring, the water is flowing high, so crossing it may take some effort. Explore your options for crossing it carefully. The next four miles isn't steep, but it's in the trees until about 1 1/2 a mile from the lake. When the trail opens up, the first views of A Peak 8634' loom large. As you approach the lake along Granite Creek, there are places to sleep. At the lake, there is only room for two campsites, but what a view it has. Above the lake in the spring, about 50 waterfalls tumble over massive cliffs for 100' or more. These falls are fed by the only glacier in our region, Blackwell Glacier. There isn't a lot of exploring capabilities here without doing some serious brushwacking on very steep terrain.
The A Peak back wall is very difficult to get to, but can be photographed from the lakes shores.
The A Peak back wall is very difficult to get to, but can be photographed from the lakes shores.
DIRECTIONS:
From Libby, head south on Highway 2 for 1/2 a mile to the Shaughnessy Hill Road. At the top of the hill go south for about 1/2 a mile to sharp west turn onto FR #128, Flower Creek Road. After a mile turn east onto FR #618, and follow it for 8 miles to the trailhead.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Historic Libby, Montana, Leigh Lake, Snowshoe Peak, Upper & Lower Geiger Lakes with Lost Buck Pass above, A Peak, two of the largest Douglas Firs in Montana are located near the back of the lake. In 2016 during our Summer Outing, member Chuck Huber and his hiking team found dozens of Morel Mushrooms along this trail.
HAZARDS:
ALL WATERFALLS ARE A HAZARD, DUE TO THEIR SLIPPERY NATURE. ALWAYS BE EXTRA CAREFUL NEAR ANY WATERFALL.In the spring the entire forest around Granite Falls can be flooded due to spring run off.
R & P:
For a 1950’s dining experience, stop by Henry’s. It is located close to the Roseaurs, Pizza Hut, in Libby, Clark Fork Pantry & Squeeze In in Clark Fork. , Eicharts, Mr Sub & Jalapeños in Sandpoint.
In Libby, try The Shed
In Libby, try The Shed
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
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PHOTO GALLERY
