CLIFF LAKE, ST. PAUL PEAK, CHICAGO PEAK
A WARNING ABOUT THE ROAD TO THE CLIFF LAKE, ST PAUL PEAK AND ROCK PEAK ROAD.
AFTER VISITING THE AREA SUNDAY 7.17.21, I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE ROAD.
FROM F.R. 150, F.R. 4721 UP TO THE TRAILHEAD, IS EXTREMELY RUGGED, AND CARS WONT MAKE IT TO THE TRAILHEAD. LONG TRUCKS MAY HAVE SOME ISSUES ALSO.
THE WALK UP THE ROAD TO THE TRAILHEAD IS ABOUT 2.5 MILES. AND WILL SAVE YOUR VEHICLES FROM DAMAGE.
PLEASE USE CAUTION
CLIFF LAKE, CHICAGO PEAK 7018’, ST. PAUL PEAK 7714’
EVENT TYPE: Hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, photography, and scrambling
DISTANCE: Cliff Lake 3 miles RT St. Paul Peak 6 miles RT
ELEVATION: Cliff Lake 300 verts gain, with St. Paul Peak at 1970verts.
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Cliff Lake and Chicago Peak and difficult to St. Paul Peak
MAPS: Kootenai National Forest, Elephant Peak topo
GPS: 48°04’21” N 115°40’42” W
RANGER DISTRICT: Cabinet R.D. 406.827.3533
DISTANCE: Cliff Lake 3 miles RT St. Paul Peak 6 miles RT
ELEVATION: Cliff Lake 300 verts gain, with St. Paul Peak at 1970verts.
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Cliff Lake and Chicago Peak and difficult to St. Paul Peak
MAPS: Kootenai National Forest, Elephant Peak topo
GPS: 48°04’21” N 115°40’42” W
RANGER DISTRICT: Cabinet R.D. 406.827.3533
DESCRIPTION:
The road to the trailhead is the hardest part of this hike. High Clearance vehicle, and a chainsaw would be advised. When F.R. #150 comes to F.R. #2741, you may have to park here. F.R. 2741 is very rough for about .5 miles. The road improves soon.
The wilderness boundary is within minutes of the trailhead. So almost immediately you in awe of your surroundings and the view. As you walk over a small hill, the trail cuts down thru a forest of young (up to 20 years) Sub-Alpine Firs that are only 5-6 feet tall, and look like hula dancers. There are small ponds on the plateau that cause excellent reflection images. Near the south edge of the plateau, the views of infinite amount of climbing walls fills the scene below you. I believe, that an enthusiast could spend their lives here and not climb all the routes. To the NW of the ponds, towers Chicago Peak 7018'. There are some nice scrambles along it's 1/2 a mile long face. The peak above and in front of you, is the massive St.Paul Peak. The trail skirts the peak's base, and the edge of Cliff Lake. There are several good camp sites along it's shore line. Behind the lake, St. Paul Peak fills the reflection.
The wilderness boundary is within minutes of the trailhead. So almost immediately you in awe of your surroundings and the view. As you walk over a small hill, the trail cuts down thru a forest of young (up to 20 years) Sub-Alpine Firs that are only 5-6 feet tall, and look like hula dancers. There are small ponds on the plateau that cause excellent reflection images. Near the south edge of the plateau, the views of infinite amount of climbing walls fills the scene below you. I believe, that an enthusiast could spend their lives here and not climb all the routes. To the NW of the ponds, towers Chicago Peak 7018'. There are some nice scrambles along it's 1/2 a mile long face. The peak above and in front of you, is the massive St.Paul Peak. The trail skirts the peak's base, and the edge of Cliff Lake. There are several good camp sites along it's shore line. Behind the lake, St. Paul Peak fills the reflection.
OPTION #1:
From the south end of the lake, there is a faint trail heading NE and climbs the south face of St. Paul Peak. Don't miss the climb. From on top, you have 360 degree views of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the east.
Below the summit to the NE some 2999' below, is St. Paul Lake. A small round deep lake worth visiting.
Retrace your route to get down.
Below the summit to the NE some 2999' below, is St. Paul Lake. A small round deep lake worth visiting.
Retrace your route to get down.
OPTION #2:
From Cliff Lake, head east to a massive Cliff that drops below you. Take a right turn (SE) and follow this ridge across the valley and eventually up the North Face of Rock Peak. Near the north summit, the trail is arched with old white snags. The last 300 vertical feet is on steep loose scree. It can be difficult to ascend.
DIRECTIONS:
From Sandpoint, drive east on SH #200 towards Clark Fork and into Montana. Pass SH #56 road and two miles past Noxon, Montana, near milepost 17, turn left (east) onto the Rock Creek Road # 150. After about 400 feet take the right fork for about 8 miles to the Chicago Peak Road #2741. At this turn, you may not be able to get any higher due to rocky and rough road beds. You can park here and hike the 2.5 miles on a good road above this intersection.
If you are able to get over this section, the trailhead is close.
If you are able to get over this section, the trailhead is close.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Copper Lake, St. Paul Peak, towering cliffs and endless climbing ops.
HAZARDS:
The road to the trailhead.
None to Cliff Lake.
Sure footedness going up and down is required, to reach St Paul Peak.
None to Cliff Lake.
Sure footedness going up and down is required, to reach St Paul Peak.
R & P:
Henry’s & Pizza Hut, in Libby, Clark Fork Pantry, Eicharts, Mr Sub & Jalapeños in Sandpoint
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
Click for Current NOAA Weather Conditions
PHOTO GALLERY
TRAIL ALONG CHICAGO PEAK IN THE MEADOWS
ST PAUL PEAK IN JUNE, WITH ST. PAUL PEAK IN THE SUN
CLIFF LAKE, BELOW ST. PAUL PEAK, CHICAGO PEAK IN BACK
MOUNTAIN GOAT ON THE SW SIDE OF ST PAUL PEAK
SOUTH FACE ST. PAUL PEAK, ASCENT ROUTE
SCRAMBLING THE S.W. FACE OF ST. PAUL PEAK. ROCK PEAK BACK MIDDLE
THE ROCK MEADOWS ABOVE ST. PAUL LAKE, SE OF ST. PAUL PEAK
ELEPHANT PEAK 7938’ NE OF ST. PAUL PEAK
