Manzanita Creek
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Fallen trees across the trail near the meadow require scrambling over and under obstacles — watch your footing on mossy logs, and be aware the route can become unclear where multiple blowdowns force detours.
The marshy meadow is prime mosquito territory from snowmelt through mid-August. Head netting and DEET are not optional if you plan to linger.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Manzanita Lake trailhead parking area, which fills up by mid-morning on summer weekends — but most of those visitors are heading to the lake loop, not down this trail, so the path itself stays empty even when the lot is packed.
The marshy meadow at the end can be soggy well into August. Gaiters or waterproof trail runners will keep your feet happier than standard hiking boots for the final half-mile stretch.
Bring a sit pad and lunch to the meadow clearing — it's one of the quietest lunch spots in the park, and if you sit still for ten minutes you'll likely spot flycatchers, woodpeckers, and possibly a black bear browsing at the meadow's edge.
