From the City Dock, the trail heads south along an old road for about 800 feet then leaves the road bed, turning right up a small set of steps. From the steps, it continues up a small hill then descends into Petersburg Creek. Four miles up the Creek from the Dock is the high tide trail head and the entrance to Petersburg Creek -Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness. From the high tide trailhead, follow the trail through the forest and muskeg for 6.5 miles to Petersburg Lake and cabin.

Parts of the trail are boardwalk, but many other parts may be muddy or brushy. Some sections of the trail have had to be rerouted, due to changing conditions of the creek, and may be difficult to locate.

Petersburg Creek supports runs of cutthroat, dolly varden, and steelhead trout, as well as silver, pink, chum, and sockeye salmon. Petersburg Lake has good trout fishing. A small boat is provided at the lake for cabin permit holders (others may use it if no one is staying in the cabin). Waterfowl, including ducks, geese, loons, and occasionally trumpeter swans, populate the area. Bald eagles and black bears are plentiful especially during salmon runs. Local residents began clearing the Petersburg Creek Trail in 1923 and completed a total of 9 miles by 1926. Between 1933 and 1934 a CCC crew reconstructed the trail and built several three-sided shelters along its length using only the native materials and hand tools. Many early trappers and prospectors used the trail and shelters during their expeditions.