The North Fork Trail stretches 7.2 miles along the North Fork Big Thompson River from the Dunraven Trailhead in the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area to Lost Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kettle Tarn fills a shallow depression in a bordering moraine 5.2 miles from the trailhead. Hikers, runners, equestrians and winter recreationalists will enjoy miles of aspen-lined river banks, lengthy meadows, diverse forests, fourteen backcountry campsites and renowned fishing along the North Fork Big Thompson en route to this interesting glacial feature.

Looking down valley on Kettle Tarn

Abundant aspen along the North Fork Trail produce brilliant late spring and autumn colors

The North Fork Big Thompson flow peaks late May - early June

Mount Dickinson (11,831') from an outlying pond at Kettle Tarn

Aspen, spruce, fir and lodgepole crowd the upper trail

The trail follows North Fork Big Thompson River to Kettle Tarn and beyond

Nine backcountry campsites are located in a string of open ponderosa parks along the river

The trail's higher elevations offer a glimpse of the Mummy Range

In between summer storm clouds on the North Fork Trail

Looking northwest from Kettle Tarn

Opens meadows are frequently visited by deer and elk

Miles of accessible stream make the North Fork Trail a favorite among anglers