BLOG #56 THE BEST OF THE BEST REGIONAL HIKES

We are very fortunate to live within 3-4 hours of some incredible hiking.
Below are in my opinion, the best of the best hikes shown on our website.
One of my criteria is hiking in places where there aren’t many, if any other people. To achieve this, we provide OPTIONS.
OPTIONS are hikes that take skills and off trail navigation.
They should only be done by knowledgeable and capable  enthusiasts.
Click on the associated url’s to see my write ups on each hike.
If you have specific questions about an area here or on our website, please feel free to contact me. At the bottom of every page is my email envelope. But do remember, I am often out doing research or enjoying these wonderful places. Contact me 2-3 days ahead of your hike, or call the Ranger district 3 days before every hike for more info. ​

EVERY FEW DAYS, I WILL ADD A DIFFERENT AREA WITHIN OUR REGION

                 IDAHO
                 THE AMERICAN SELKIRKS   (A.S.)
This very unusual mountain range starts at Mica Peak, near Spokane, and stretches over 300 miles north into British Columbia.
About 100 miles of the Selkirks are in Idaho.
An important note about the Selkirk Granite….it is a gnarly rock that  allows you to ascend steep slabs. So just don’t fall.



          WEST FORK LAKE, MOUNTAIN, RIDGE & TOWER
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/west-fork-lake-mountain-6416--lookout-tower-trail-347.html
Really the hardest part of this hike is the drive. From Rathdrum it take 3+ hours. But the roads are pretty good.
Once at the lake, head up to the ridge on the west side.
From the abandon lookout tower, walk  NW & N along the ridge for a very nice walk. There are two lakes to enjoy along this ridge.
Once back at the tower, head SE to experience a beautiful ridge walk.



          TWO MOUTH LAKES & MYRTLE’S TURTLE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/two-mouth-lakes-5785.html
Lower Two Mouth Lake is the prettiest high country lake, and warm enough to swim in.
To the ESE is Upper Two Mouth Lake. It isn’t as spectacular as lower lake. But next to it, is Myrtle’s Turtle. When you are walking the lower section of the trail, Myrtle’s Turtle is the gigantic granite dome you see from the trail. 
From the upper lake, it’s an easy walk to the top.
Don’t miss going to the top. You will be amazed.



          HARRISON LAKE & PEAK
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/harrison-lake--peak-7292-trial--217.html
Harrison Lake Trail is the furthest trail up the Pack River Road.
The trail is easy to follow, but up high you switch from a dirt trail to walking up granite slabs.
Once at the lake the views of the Selkirk Crest are to the south.
Off to the north is Harrison Peak. It’s a little more challenging to summit, but a must visit.



          THE WIGWAMS. 
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/the-wigwams-7033.html
Do not miss this hike, high clearance vehicles are needed.
The hike to the Wigs is on an easy trail to an old helipad and the Wigwams summit next door.
Once at the helipad, walk east along a magnificent cliff edge.
After about 1.2 miles, the views open up.
Do not miss this view. The American Selkirks stretch out for over ten miles. From Harrison Peak on the north, to Chimney Rock and Mount Roothaan to the south.
It looks like you are looking down a saw blade.
This is my favorite backpack.


          BEEHIVE LAKE TO LITTLE HARRISON LAKE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/little-harrison-lake-6271--peak-7292.html
Beehive Lake is a moderate enjoyable hike.
From Beehive to L.H.L. is strenuous, but doable. It is all off trail and requires some easy scrambling. 
L.H.L. is encased in granite. Making the shoreline spectacular.
When at L.H.L. the Selkirks Crest fills the western view.



          SELKIRK CREST HIGH TRAVERSE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/selkirk-crest-high-traverse.html
This hike/scramble, takes you to three of the American Selkirks most beautiful alpine Lakes, along the Selkirk Crest, and to the summit of Peak 7171’.
However, the trailheads are a little over a mile apart. Leave a car at Beehive Trailhead, or walk the mile+ up to Harrison Lake Trailhead.
This is easily the best day hike in the A.S.



          CHIMNEY ROCK & MOUNT ROOTHAAN
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/mount-roothaan-7326-and-chimney-rock-7124-trail-256.html


From the west, the  Horton Ridge the trail is easy and relatively short.
From the east, Pack River, the route is longer, with outstanding views.
Chimney Rock is a technical climb, while  Mount Roothaan is a pleasant rock hop to the summit. The views to the north, up the American Selkirks are worth the effort.



          FAULT LAKE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/fault-lake-5980--hunt-peak-7058-trail-59.html


The road is the hard part of this spectacular hike.
The trail steadily climbs up to the basin that Fault Lake sits in.
The first thing you notice when you see the lake, is the very large notch above the lake. This notch is actually a fault line. Hence the name Fault Lake. Hike up into the notch for great views of the A.S. From the south. 

COMING NEXT ARE BEST HIKES IN THE CABINET MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS