Today, Fish Creek is known for its recreation and accessibility. The main waterfall overlook trail is wheelchair accessible and features and educational tour of the flora and fauna of the region for hikers. Trail #1102 or the “Long Lake Trail” is the direct trail to the iconic bridge where hikers and kayakers alike meet to explore Fish Creek.
The Long lake trail is in the shaded side of the valley and zig zags up the mountain through a lodgepole pine forest before it reaches an elevation where Aspens are the dominant tree. In the winter months, hikers can look down upon ice-climbers climbing up the falls. Rescue groups practice emergency water rescues at the base of the falls. Across the glacial valley on the sun facing side is the Uranium trail, where hikers and rock climbers roam through the sage brush lined trail. This is a popular hiking destination but also a portal for locals that connects to a neighboring mountain, Mt. Werner, which hosts the Steamboat Ski Resort. Skiers who “duck” the boundary rope on the mountain can ski fresh powder and navigate the Fish Creek Canyon, and ski to the Forest Service Parking lot.
However, even though both areas are managed by the Forest Service, there is a tension between the USFS of Fish Creek and the Ski Patrol of Mt. Werner over rescue operations for ill fated skiers that chose to ski out of bounds. The area is a limbo for skiers because by ducking the boundary line, they are no longer Steamboat Ski Patrol’s responsibility. By trespassing in an area and originating from a foreign entity (not entering through the Fish Creek Forest Service entry) they are technically not the Fish Creek USFS responsibility. A few skiers have spent the cold winter night in Fish Creek due a lack of communication between rescue parties.
The development of recreation in Fish Creek Basin shows how far the area has evolved from a purely extractive source. The management of the land has shifted significantly due to the amount of varied and interested parties. Today over 50,000 people visit the hiking trails and waterfall overlooks. In order to visit Fish Creek Falls, visitors need to pay a $5 fee for day recreation. Parking ticket fees and day use fees go to maintaining the facilities: bathrooms, picnic areas, and ongoing trail restoration efforts in order for Fish Creek to continue to be managed for the next generations.
Fish Creek Basin 