Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
Weekend Getaway. By Jessica Herbig.
“If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.” - President Lyndon B. Johnson - Upon signing the Wilderness Act in 1964
The Wilderness Act of 1964 paved the way (or unpaved the way) for a swath of wilderness known as the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. It meanders through 88,000 acres of peaks and valleys, the highest of which is Scotchman, the highest point in Bonner County, Idaho summiting at 7,009 ft. Collectively, the Scotchman Peaks run from Idaho into Montana and have arguably some of the best hiking around for all skill levels and abilities. Sandpoint is the county seat for Bonner County and has been called the most beautiful small town in America by USA Today and Rand McNally, so that too may be worth the stop on the way to or from your hike.
You can access trailheads heading into the wilderness area from many points beginning in Sandpoint along Hwy 200 east to the Montana border and beyond. The hike up Scotchman Peak starts at Trail 65 outside Clark Fork, Idaho. Grab some sandwiches on homemade bread at the local Pantry in Clark Fork, fill up your water bottles, and head north on Main Street, turning into Mosquito Creek Rd #276. Turn right at the junction of Road #2294. You’ll go a little over a mile, looking for signs for Trail 65. Turn left on Road 2294A and turn left again. The road ends at the trailhead. There’s a small parking area, which also makes a great camping spot.
The climb is short, but strenuous. Four miles one way with an elevation gain of approximately 3,700 ft. The amazing views start in the lower meadows and continue up to the summit. Don’t forget your camera, but keep a good hold on it because there’s some mountain goats up there that might try to take it from you!
If you go in mid-August, you might catch the huckleberries when they are ripe, but don’t tell anyone you heard it here. Huckleberry picking spots are a closely guarded secret in this area.
If you are looking for a hike with a faster pace, or maybe want to try some offroad ATV/UTVing, try the Strong Creek Hike just outside the boundaries of the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area. Featured in Backpacker Magazine and online at www.backpacker.com/destinations/hikes/912026, Strong Creek Hike #444 has an upper and lower trailhead, accessible off of Trestle Creek Road or out of Hope, Idaho. The trail has been cut wide for ATV and motorcycle use, and with a collective elevation gain of 3,800 ft. over 7.4 miles, it’s quite a bit less strenuous than the Trail #65 hike.
Both of the mentioned hikes, as well as most of the hikes in this area, cut through bear country. Make sure you’re carrying appropriate protection from wild animals while you are out hiking, and it is always recommended to hike with friends and let someone who is staying behind know your destination. If you plan on camping, leave that information with someone as well. It’s easy to get turned around even if you are familiar with the area.
It’s all about having fun when you are out in the wilderness. This summer, consider getting out and enjoying the amazing natural wonders in beautiful North Idaho!
