Red Ridge via Russell Creek Trail in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID

Hike Red Ridge via Russell Creek Trail Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID

Class 2 9.7 miles 3300 gain 4-6 hrs Out + Back Aug 21, 2022
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Red Ridge via Russell Creek Trail GPX Track

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I chose to hike Red Ridge because the weather forecasted storms all day everywhere, and since most of this hike was in a forest I didn't feel too concerned about getting struck by lightning, but I woke to a bright blue sky. Since I was already at the trailhead (acessible by all due to paved access), I figured I might as well hike this mountain nobody's heard of. Plus, I thought there was a trail, so this would be a nice little outing, right? I got out of my car with a smile on my face, looking forward to a nice woodsy walk. Then I saw the start of the hike and the quality of the trail. It was very much there and easy to follow, but the overgrown summer foliage was holding a ton of moisture from last night's storm and I was completely soaked and covered in plant leavings within a minute of starting the hike. I was also apparently allergic to something because my legs only became more and more itchy throughout the day. I considered turning around, but I was moving at basically my normal hiking speed since it wasn't really a bushwhack, and any deadfall had somewhat recently been cut. Maybe this is a more popular trail in shoulder seasons when there's less growth.

After two and a half miles hiking up Russell Creek and its often less than fun sections, the trail steeply climbed up the slope to the north, leaving the majority of the overgrowth behind. I was now in the sun and could finally dry off. The trail continued steeply to a spur ridge that juts to the east of Red Ridge. Hiking was a no-brainer past here, the trail in excellent shape and views opening up to the east. I even got glimpses of the Grand Teton. The trail eventually made it to the base of Red Ridge, where it met with the Red Ridge Trail. This trail is in much better shape, but it continued north and paralleled the summit without actually going to it. You should maybe consider hiking to the Red Ridge summit using this trail instead if you dislike the looks of this route up Russell Creek, though I can't speak to its quality. That trail seems to begin here: 43.32997, -111.22361 and is used mostly by mountain bikers, so I suspect it's much better.

Anyway, I begrudgingly left the Red Ridge Trail after just getting onto it and ascended through the forest to the ridgeline. Some light Class 2 got me to the summit from here. I spent some time picking off the variety of plant spurs/burrs and even a couple of ticks. Hey, at least I had cleared all the spider webs on the way up already!

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Red Ridge
8952 ft
2192 rise

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The Russel Creek Trailhead.
The Russel Creek Trailhead.
As you can see, the trail is easy to follow. It's just quite overgrown.
As you can see, the trail is easy to follow. It's just quite overgrown.
View back.
View back.
Head-high encroaching brush.
Head-high encroaching brush.
A fun little trail sign. Thank you?
A fun little trail sign. Thank you?
View back along the Russell Creek Trail.
View back along the Russell Creek Trail.
A short reprieve.
A short reprieve.
View back as I make more progress up the drainage.
View back as I make more progress up the drainage.
Some lovely morning light.
Some lovely morning light.
I certainly got whacked in the face by more than one of these guys.
I certainly got whacked in the face by more than one of these guys.
The trail started to climb out of the drainage.
The trail started to climb out of the drainage.
Higher up as the trail gains elevation, leaving the brush behind.
Higher up as the trail gains elevation, leaving the brush behind.
Image 12 from gallery
View back through a small, pretty meadow.
View back through a small, pretty meadow.
Now along the east ridge, ascending toward Red Ridge.
Now along the east ridge, ascending toward Red Ridge.
View back, Russel Creek below on the right.
View back, Russel Creek below on the right.
Red Ridge (not the high point) seen ahead.
Red Ridge (not the high point) seen ahead.
More forest ascending on a good-quality trail.
More forest ascending on a good-quality trail.
The trail emerges from the woods.
The trail emerges from the woods.
A very old junction at around 8200' with the Yeaman Creek Trail.
A very old junction at around 8200' with the Yeaman Creek Trail.
View back.
View back.
Nice views as the trail wraps around a lump.
Nice views as the trail wraps around a lump.
View back, the Tetons visible in the distant center.
View back, the Tetons visible in the distant center.
Final ascent of the Russell Creek Trail before reaching the Red Ridge Trail.
Final ascent of the Russell Creek Trail before reaching the Red Ridge Trail.
View back at the junction with the Red Ridge Trail.
View back at the junction with the Red Ridge Trail.
I left the Red Ridge Trail basically just after getting to it and headed through the trees.
I left the Red Ridge Trail basically just after getting to it and headed through the trees.
View back through the forest. You can see the Russell Creek Trail in the center.
View back through the forest. You can see the Russell Creek Trail in the center.
Now along the ridge crest, I headed north to the summit.
Now along the ridge crest, I headed north to the summit.
View back along the Red Ridge crest.
View back along the Red Ridge crest.
Red Ridge summit, view north.
Red Ridge summit, view north.
Red Ridge summit, view east.
Red Ridge summit, view east.
Close-up toward the Tetons.
Close-up toward the Tetons.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!