The Packsaddle Creek Loop branches off the Selwyn Traverse and ascends Packsaddle Creek to a footbridge about 1.5 km upstream from the East Canoe Forest Road. Cross the footbridge and descend a trail on the opposite side of the creek, built by a local trapper and used for hiking with permission. This loop returns you to the East Canoe Road not far from your starting point at the Selwyn Traverse southeast trailhead. Do not interfere with traps you may see in tree cavities, rock crevices and wooden enclosures beside this section of the trail. For a somewhat different loop, after crossing the footbridge look for a small bench-like wooden structure at the base of a large cedar tree. Here an older version of the Packsaddle Trail ascends to the Packsaddle Creek Forest Road network which can be followed back to the trailhead.

From the east end of the footbridge, the Packsaddle Creek Trail continues up the rugged valley of Packsaddle Creek another 2.5 km. Well constructed by various local residents in the 1970's but never completed, this trail often closely follows the large and noisy mountain torrent of Packsaddle Creek, providing a potentially rewarding hike for those who appreciate the majesty of mountain water.

Beyond the first avalanche slope, the trail is sketchy and not recommended. The stringers of an incomplete bridge about a quarter mile beyond the first avalanche slope have rotted and collapsed, making the upper portions of the trail on the west bank somewhat challenging to access unless a natural crossing log can be found nearby.

If completed, the trail could provide summer access to the back country between Valemount & Red Pass. It would remain unsuitable for winter use because of avalanche danger.

One of the many avalanche slopes along the upper, unmaintained portion of the trail beyond the old upper footbridge site is rather unique in that it is caused solely by the frequent collapse of a frozen waterfall.

Rock cliffs just beyond the upper footbridge site are good areas to view mountain goats in early spring.

It's a good idea to shout loudly when approaching densely vegetated avalanche slopes, to warn any grazing bears of your approach.

Travel east through Valemount and cross the railroad tracks, then turn right on Whisky Fill Road. Follow Whisky Fill Road for approximately 3 Km. to Canoe Forest Road and turn left. Use headlights at all times and watch for logging trucks. Follow Canoe Forest Road for about 4 Km. to a major intersection and a group of signs. Take the Selwyn Traverse, which is marked by signs, for about 1.5 km to a 1979 clear-cut that is now densely covered in young lodgepole pine trees. As you enter the old logging area, look for a pile of rocks and some signs marking the junction of the Selwyn Traverse and the Packsaddle Creek Loop. Follow the Packsaddle Creek Loop directly uphill and out of the logged area. The trail runs southeast through dense second-growth forest to the lip of Packsaddle Creek's ravine, where the roar of the creek far below is suddenly heard. Here descend past the South Ridge trail turnoff (may be unmarked) as the trail begins contouring along the hillside and down to the creek.

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the loop or 2 to 3 hours (return) to the first avalanche slope on the upper trail.

The Upper Packsaddle Creek Trail was brushed out to first avalanche slope December 2003. It needs another cleanup plus some surface work on side slopes that have slumped a bit and are hazardous in early spring when strong sunshine and trail traffic combine to create crazily sloping ice surfaces.