The Polecat Creek Loop is an easy 2.7 mile hike in the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The hike features gorgeous views of springs and Polecat Creek, while also traveling through a peaceful forest, as well as offering an up close view of a recently burned forest in full recovery. The trail is easily accessed from the Flagg Ranch area.
Polecat Creek Loop Trail Description
From the parking area, head north through the large empty parking area where you’ll then cross Grassy Lake Road. The trail is easy to pick up on the other side where you’ll want to head left at an immediate junction to access the loop just a short distance from the road.
At the junction, you can head either clockwise or counterclockwise. For this writeup, I went clockwise.
From the junction, you’ll immediately enter the burn from the Berry Fire in 2016. Through the area you’ll notice new saplings beginning to grow as you parallel Grassy Lake Road for a short distance.
You’ll cross a dirt road as you pass underneath power lines where you then enter a mixed burn area with some healthy trees still standing. As you veer away from the road, you’ll continue through the mixed forest along a bench above Polecat Creek and some springs feeding the creek. The gorgeous views offer incredible opportunities to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
The forest will thicken as you continue to wind above wetlands and Polecat Creek. You’ll soon twist away from the creek, heading into a forest, followed by a large meadow. At an unsigned junction, veer right to continue on the loop.
The trail will bend back into the forest as you snake through the tranquil woods. As you reach the burn area once again, the trail will share the dirt road for a few dozen yards while passing under the power lines. It quickly heads left away from the road and back into the partially burned forest. Just a bit later, the healthier trees will fade away as you enter a fully burned forest.
Ahead through the trees, you’ll see the main highway come into view. Before reaching the highway, however, you’ll reach a junction at 2.1 miles in. Head right to begin to close out the loop.
Following the trail, you’ll wander through the burn area, where you have plenty of opportunity to see up close new vegetation sprouting up from the fire’s remains. Soon enough though, you reach the initial junction, closing out the loop. Head left to return to the parking area.
Getting There
From the main Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch, walk north. Note that there are two large parking lots – one on the north end, one on the south end. Park in the south parking lot. Parking in the north parking area could result in a citation.