Look up "Flow" in the mountain bike dictionary and you'll find the definition to read "Williams Creek Trail." The descent is nothing but a smiley spectacular. Better yet, it doesn't seem like you've climbing that much for all the descending you do. More commonly known as the Fisher Creek Loop, most of the singletrack on this ride is actually the Williams Creek Trail. This loop is popular in the area for a reason, because it is fast, scenic, and not that technical.
The climb on Fisher Creek Rd. is a mellow gravel ascent that takes you through a scenic canyon and into the burn. Later it pitches up steeply on a rocky road before reaching the trailhead. There, the fun action begins with a rolling descent through some surreal burnt trees. There is a junction that puts you on the return path with Williams Creek Trail. The climb is mellow through the valley and once you top out it's game on.
Getting There
Park at the Williams Creek Trailhead which is one of the easiest trail access points you will ever find. It is well signed and immediately off the highway south of Stanley. The parking area is big and grassy. Some people will shuttle a car up Fisher Creek Rd. The road is fairly good for a ways and there is a turnout to park on the right before the road gets dicey and steep.
Trail Notes
- 0.0.mi. Williams Creek Trailhead. Head south on the paved highway.
- 2.2 Turn left onto gravel Fisher Creek Rd.
- 8.2 Fisher Creek Trailhead. Take the singletrack to the left out of the parking turnaround.
- 10.2 Intersection with Warm Springs Trail to the right. Stay left to make the loop here. Or, if you want a fun out and back sortie to an heavenly meadow you can take that side trip.
- 12.2 Crest to the top of the climb and begin descending
- 15.3 Arrive at a meadow and cross Williams Creek on a few bridges and begin a short final climb.
- 15.6 Top out for final descent to trailhead.
- 17.1 Arrive back at trailhead
