Description

Few people know the grandeur of Idaho’s Pioneer Mountains. This gem of a lake is a well-kept secret because it’s far from any population centers. But don’t let the drive dissuade you. Plan a nearby camping trip or weekend in Sun Valley, and suddenly, a trip to Boulder Lake becomes a realistic day hike.

Tucked away in some of Idaho’s tallest Peaks, Boulder Lake is surrounded by a rim of jagged, sky-scraping peaks that will leave your eyes popping out. You’ll find extraordinary views of the Devil’s Bedstead and other unnamed peaks topping out near or above 12,000 feet.

The trail begins at a pull-out along Wildhorse Creek Road. You will immediately have to cross Wildhorse Creek, hike across the the floodplain, and begin trekking up switchbacks into a slot canyon. At about two miles in, the views of the stunning alpine scenery begin to unfold. The last half of the trail is primitive, but you can easily follow the route through avalanche chutes, stands of alpine fir, and boulders to the lake. There are a few primitive campsites available, as well as off-trail opportunities to explore the surrounding basin and lakes.

Don’t plan on visiting until the end of July. Snow lingers in this north-facing cirque well into the summer.

Distance

3.8 miles (one way)

Elevation Gain

2,226 feet

Directions

From Ketchum, drive northeast on Trail Creek Road for 22.5 miles, passing over Trail Creek Summit into the Lost River Basin. Turn right on Wildhorse Creek Road. Drive approximately 7.7 miles to the trailhead, bearing right at the junction with East Fork Lost River Road. The trailhead is located at a pullout on the right side of the road.

Maps

Forest Service: Challis National Forest

USGS Quad(s): Standhope Peak, Phi Kappa Mountain

Maintenance Report

The first 2 miles of trail 4057 were maintained by Forest Service crews in 2010. However, at 2.5 miles, the trail becomes more primitive. Follow the most prominent foot path, avoid cutting switchbacks, and stay off of user-created trails to protect the fragile environmental conditions.

Land Status

The Pioneer Mountains are a proposed wilderness area.

Guidebooks

Thinking about heading out for a hike soon? Make sure to let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you plan to return.  Even if you are hiking with a partner or a group, you should always share your plans with someone that is not going along.  This is your insurance plan if you get stranded or injured in the backcountry.

Leave a copy of a map of your destination or a list of specific trails, destinations, and dates with your friend or loved one.  You should also provide contact information for search and rescue officials in case you do become injured or stranded.

Some hikers like to carry beacons that periodically inform friends and loved ones of your location.  Services, such as SPOT, enable you to send messages by e-mail or text message if you need help.

Brad Smith is a member of the Idaho Trails Association and serves on the Board of Directors.

On Friday I took a nice hike up Goat Mountain in the Scotchman Peaks.  While my outing was well worth it, my feet didn’t appreciate the early season conditions.  At about 5,000 feet I encountered the snow line.  Hiking across the snow and glissading back down, I frequently had to clean snow out of my boots as it became wedged between the tongue of my boots and my ankles.  Despite my vigorous efforts to stave off the inevitable, my feet became soaking wet.  This was by no fault of my boots, just my own neglectfulness.

If only I had just brought my gaiters along with me.  Gaiters wrap around the top of your boots and your ankles, preventing snow and other debris from getting lodged in your boots.  I regularly use them for skiing, snowshoeing, and early season hiking, but they can also be helpful in snow-free conditions by keeping seeds, debris, twigs, grass, and other announces from getting stuck in your boots or socks.  Gaiters can also help keep seeds and stickers from becoming stuck to your legs.  Moreover, gaiters can keep your legs from getting scratched on brushy trails.

Gaiters may not be on the list of essential hiking gear, but they’re pretty darn close in my opinion.  Even if you don’t end up wearing them, it’s worth bringing along a pair just in case.

Brad Smith is a member of the Idaho Trails Association and serves on the Board of Directors.

Description

Climb through lush forests, of cedar, hemlock, alpine fir, and spruce to the beautiful Beehive Lakes, tucked into a high cirque basin in the Selkirk Crest.  Hikers are rewarded with views of Roman Nose, The Beehive, Pack River, and Twin Peaks.  Options for scrambles to the top of the Crest are also available, where even more spectacular views can be found.

The trail begins on the east side of the upper Pack River and immediately crosses it.  From the river, the trail ascends the hillside following gentle switchbacks.  Views improve with every mile.  Bottleneck Peak, Roman Nose, and The Beehive come into view.  At approximately 4 miles, the trail reaches large slabs of granite outcroppings.  Follow the cairns over the slabs to the upper lake.

There are grizzly bears in the Selkirk Mountains.  Hikers are advised to take special precautions to avoid negative encounters with bears.  The Forest Service installed a bear-proof food storage locker at the upper lake, where overnight campers may store their food.

Distance

4.5 miles (one way)

Elevation Gain

2,040 feet

Directions

From Sandpoint, drive north on U.S. Highway 95 for 10.5 miles, and turn left (west) onto the Pack River Road at Samuels.  Drive 19 miles, following Forest Service signs toward Beehive Lakes, and turn left, driving a short distance off the main road to the trailhead.

Maps

Forest Service: Kaniksu National Forest

USGS Quad(s): The Wigwams, Roman Nose

Maintenance Report

ITA partnered with the Sandpoint Ranger District to brush out the Beehive Lakes Trail in August of 2011.  In 2009, the Forest Service installed a new trail bridge across the Pack River.

Land Status

The Selkirk Crest is a proposed wilderness area.

Guidebooks

100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest by Rich Landers (2^nd Edition, 2003)

Trails of the Wild Selkirks by Dennis Nicholls (2004)

Description

Stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille, the Cabinet Mountains, and the Selkirk Mountains await you on top of Bonner County’s tallest peak. Hikers will likely find company at the top, where mountain goats negotiate rock outcroppings and steep cliffs.

From the trailhead, the route begins relentlessly uphill for the first mile until reaching the first set of switchbacks.  At that point, the grade becomes more bearable. About two-thirds of the way up, the trail passes through a large hillside meadow, with stunning views of Lake Pend Orielle and the Clark Fork River Valley.  The trail eventually intercepts the ridge and follows it to the summit.  Follow cairns and other indicators through the talus.

The Scotchman Peaks are inhabited by grizzly bears and mountain goats.  Hikers are advised to take special precautions to reduce the risk of negative bear encounters.  Please do not feed the mountain goats or any other wild animals.  Feeding wild animals may result in serious injury or death.

Distance

3.5 miles (one way)

Elevation Gain

3,700 feet

Directions

Take Highway 200 (east from Sandpoint) and in downtown Clark Fork turn north at the Chevron Station.  Go past the school and continue up Mosquito Creek Road #276.  Go past the (former) Clark Fork Field Campus to the junction of Road #2294.  Turn right and go a little over a mile.  Watch for signs for trail #65. Turn left on road 2294A.  Follow this road a little over a mile to where it ends at the trailhead.

Maps

Forest Service: Kaniksu National Forest

USGS Quad(s): Clark Fork NE

Maintenance Report

No information.

Land Status

The Scotchman Peaks are a proposed wilderness area.

Guidebooks

100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest by Rich Landers (2^nd Edition, 2003)

Trails of the Wild Cabinets By Dennis Nicholls with Jim Mellen (2^nd Edition, 2008)