Directions (From U.S. Forest Service): Directions from Steamboat Springs: North on third street, then right on Fish Creek Falls road 4 miles to the Trailhead. 

In the winter Fish Creek Falls is a snowy wonderland, the Falls run swiftly below and between tufts of white Champaign powder. In the autumn Fish Creek Falls is surrounded by vibrant fall colors from the glowing yellow aspens to colorful underbrush of maples and oaks.  The Fish Creek Falls National Recreation Trail runs for 5 miles from the Falls to the Upper Fish Creek Falls and eventually Long Lake, but you can make it much shorter hike and still enjoy the area.  In the winter, be sure to bring along your snowshoes on this trail as the snow gets very, very, deep here.

From the parking area there are 2 trail options, the trail to the left, near the information kiosk will take you up north to the Falls Overlook.  This trail is beautiful and gives you great views of the Falls and the surrounding Canyon.  There are two overlooks each with wonderful views of the impressive falls and the surrounding mountains. The second trail heads straight east from the far end of the parking area and drops down to the base of Fish Creek Falls.  This is the main trail.  The hike down to the falls is easy and short but you can explore further past the bridge across Fish Creek.  From the bridge, the trail switchbacks up the side of the mountain and then continues for 5 miles. I recommend combining these two trails via the connector through the picnic area for nice and easy loop trail. The trail down to the fall is a bit steep, but it’s short and shouldn’t be a problem for most hikers.

Visiting Fish Creek Falls is a must-do for all Steamboat Springs visitors. The area can get busy so try to avoid weekend mornings if at all possible.