Two World Hikers

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.” – Anonymous

Scotchman Peak towers at 7,009ft as the highest point in Bonner County, Idaho. Be prepared to gain nearly 1,000ft of elevation per mile. Don’t let burning calf and quad muscles deter you, phenomenal 360-degree views of northern Idaho and Montana mountain ranges await at the peak! I promise, the strenuous climb is worth the effort! If you are like me and crave a good challenge, this hike is for you!

What to Expect:

Total Distance: 8 miles round trip

Difficulty: Hard (steep)

Elevation gain: 3,700ft (gained in 4 miles one-way)

Time: 4-6 hours (depends on how in shape you are!)

Route type: out-and-back

Availability: best to visit April-October

Cost: Free, no permits required

Opening views of Lake Pend Oreille!

Getting there:

Scotchman Peak trailhead is nestled within the Kaniksu National Forest 20 minutes from the small town of Clark Fork, Idaho and about 50 minutes from Sandpoint. Leaving Clark Fork, you will turn onto the gravel road, Mosquito Creek Road. As you reach junctions along this road, follow the signs for Trail 65 (this is the trail number for Scotchman Peak). The road ends at the trailhead and parking is widely available. Take a vehicle that can handle pot holes and rocks!

Description:

Coeur d’Alene Mountains come into view within the first mile

Switchbacks and altitude gains are immediate. The hike is initially shady sheltered by calming fir trees and greenery. If hiking during the summer, enjoy snacking on the delicious huckleberries (local to this region) along the route! As the forest thins with elevation gains, views of the Coeur d’Alene mountains emerge.

First glimpse of Lake Pend Oreille

Rest stop to appreciate the view!

About a mile into the hike, the trail traverses the mountainside opening up to beautiful sights of Lake Pend Oreille and mountain ranges. We took a short break along this ridge to appreciate the views and give our legs some rest!

There are mountain goats! Keep some distance!

As you continue along the trail, the switchbacks become less steep and the terrain transitions into a lovely meadow. This is the area where we first spotted a mountain goat! Remember to keep distance, be respectful of the wildlife, and put food away!

Almost to the peak! It towers at 7,009ft!

Closer to the peak, the trail becomes rocky and steeper. We passed lingering snow patches and more mountain goats.

We made it! Scotchman Peak! Lake Pend Oreille is so blue and vast! Hard hikes make me happy!

Taking in the incredible views of Lake Pend Oreille, Cabinet Mountains, and Selkirk Mountains!

Selfie at the peak! The mountain ranges are surreal!

Congratulate yourself once you reach the peak! The intense climb is well-worth the effort! The panoramic views of the Montana and Idaho Cabinet Mountains, the Selkirk Mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille are surreal! Take some time to really embrace the vastness of these mountain ranges and the glistening lake!

The view at Scotchman Peak!

Accommodation recommendation:

The area has plenty of campsites as well as accommodations. Hiking Scotchman Peak was included as a treat for my 29^th birthday weekend. As a part of the birthday fun, we booked a lakeside room at The Lodge at Sandpoint. This is one of our favorite places to stay located waterfront to beautiful Lake Pend Oreille! From the patio, it is magical watching the sunset over the Selkirk Mountains with vibrant colors reflecting on the lake! We also enjoy sitting by the cozy fireplace! The Lodge at Sandpoint includes a pristine private beach and lounge chairs for guests! We’ve stayed here numerous times for local weekend getaways and can’t recommend it enough! (Tip: it is much cheaper to stay here during snowshoe season! The frosty winter views are uniquely incredible!)

Sunset view from our room’s patio at The Lodge at Sandpoint

Private beach and dock for guests, Lake Pend Oreille

Wandering the grounds at The Lodge at Sandpoint!

Final thoughts:

Scotchman Peak is challenging but well-worth every step of the sheer climb to the top! The views at the summit are amazing!

To learn more about the Scotchman Peak trail, check out this link to AllTrails

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