When people refer to Certainty Mine Trail, this is the trailhead starting point to which they are usually referring.

Certainty Mine Trail is a hike deep into an alpine valley. The trail has historic significance given it was originally established at the turn of the century to access mining operations in the sub-alpine of the 12 Mile drainage. While the mine site is non-descript – essentially depressions in the ground – the trail is a testament to the longevity of well-built trails.

The trail described here is accessed from the Upper Trailhead found in a cut block high up in the 12 Mile drainage. By accessing Certainty Mine from the Upper Trailhead you will eliminate almost 3/4 of the trail so that the surrounding alpine can be reached in short order.  However, you will require a high clearance vehicle to reach the Upper Trailhead.  Without a high clearance vehicle you may want to start at the Lower Trailhead (see Certainty Mine Lower Trailhead)

UPDATED NOTE Aug 2018.  This description for the start of the trail has been updated since the logging this past winter.  It still may require some route finding to locate the trailhead (follow the directions closely).

Cross over the bridge and take the right hand fork in the road on the immediate other side (yes, right not left).  The road continues (right) on flat ground for about 75m where you will see orange flagging tape on your left and a cairn marking the start of the trail into a cutblock.  From this start point, the somewhat distinct trail leads straight up (steeply) to the top of the cutblock and then into forest.  Further along, the trail follows up along the left edge of a talus slope.

The route continues up (about 45 min in total) to the intersection with the trail coming up from the Lower Trailhead (see Certainty Mine Lower Trailhead webpage). The intersection can be easily missed on your return unless it is flagged – mark this junction point.

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From this intersection head left.  The trail flattens considerably.  Approximately 500m from the aforementioned intersection of the Upper and Lower Trailheads, you will reach a fork in the trail.

Take the right fork (the left fork takes you down into a the boggy area below the main falls). After about 5 min you which reach another fork (stay left) and then another fork (stay left).  Eventually you will cross a wide open (150m) slope that leads up beside the right side of the main falls.  This slope is steep and leads into an upper alpine bowl.

For experienced hikers and scramblers, the upper alpine reaches offer many opportunities for further exploration. It is possible to ridge walk around to the south and exit via the 12 Mile Creek South Fork trail.

NOTE: The road to Upper Certainty Mine was upgraded for the logging that occurred in winter 2017/2018.  It is in much better condition.  The description below of the quality of the road may no longer be accurate.

The access for the Upper Trailhead is over twice the length as the access to the Lower Trailhead. If your goal is to explore the alpine beyond the mine site use of this access will save you an hour of hiking. This route may require a 4×4 high clearance vehicle and, depending on conditions, you may have to drive through two creeks.

From Golden drive south on Highway 95 to the hamlet of Nicholson. Turn right on the Nicholson Loop Road and turn right on Canyon Creek Road. Cross the Columbia River and stay left when the road forks. Just before the end of the road (approx 1km from the fork), turn left on the 12 Mile Creek FSR. Set your odometer to “0” here:

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1.9 km stay straight, not right.

5.0 km cross bridge.

6.0 km turn right.

6.8 km follow the curve right and parallel the power line for a bit.

7.1 km curve left and under power line.

8.4 km stay right. The road gets steep and rough ahead.

8.8 km stay left.

9.5 km keep right.  Again the road gets steep and rough ahead.

10.3 km keep right heading north. A sign at this turn notes “12 Mile North Forest Sevice Road”.  You will cross four avalanche paths. There may be water flowing across the road at the first avalanche path – you will may need a high clearance vehicle for the dip at this section, but this may have changed since the logging of 2017.

In the final KM, a thumb shaped peak called “the Nipple” is clearly seen in the distance ahead.

16.3 km park about 80m before the bridge.