McCabe Creek makes for a fantastic hike three seasons of the year.  In the spring, woodland wildflowers create colorful patches on the forest floor.  In the summer, the largely shaded trail and streamside stops are a cool option on a hot day.  In the fall, colorful foliage from aspen and low bushes again create a colorful mosaic.  And, best of all, it’s unlikely that you’ll see many people along the way.

The trail begins behind four large boulders at the edge of the trailhead.  The first 100 feet is wide along an old roadbed, then signed Trail #1104 becomes narrower as it ducks into the woods above McCabe Creek.  Pass through a delightful mix of Doug fir, larch, and even aspen, then enjoy views down into McCabe Creek from occasional scree fields and meadows.  The trail is well above the creek for the first 1.4 miles, at which point it approaches the stream near open cliffs.  This is a great destination for a shorter hike, or continue to your hearts’ content with more access to the stream.

From Highway 200, turn north onto Monture Creek Road (right across the highway from the turnoff to Ovando) and drive 4.4 miles on well-graded Monture Creek Road.  Turn right onto Forest Road 5401 and drive 2.5 miles.  Arrive at the signed McCabe Creek Trailhead Parking, which is on the south side of the road and is wide enough to accommodate trailers. 

Or, for passenger cars, save yourself .2 miles of walking:  just past this parking area turn left onto Forest Road 17536 and drive 0.1 miles to the trailhead on the right.  There is space for 3-4 cars in front of four large boulders marking the beginning of the trail.  The sign marking the trail is 100 feet down the trail past the boulders.