KALISPELL ROCK
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, backpacking, and equestrian.
DISTANCE: 5 miles RT
ELEVATION: 1490’
DIFFICULTY: moderate
MAPS: Gleason Mountain, Orwig Hump, and Monument Mountain topos
GPS: Trailhead 48°38’04” N 117°06’05” W
MANAGING AGENCY: Priest River R.D. 208.443.2512 & Idaho D. Of Land 208.443.2516
PEND ORIELLE COUNTY SHERIFF: 509.447.3151
DISTANCE: 5 miles RT
ELEVATION: 1490’
DIFFICULTY: moderate
MAPS: Gleason Mountain, Orwig Hump, and Monument Mountain topos
GPS: Trailhead 48°38’04” N 117°06’05” W
MANAGING AGENCY: Priest River R.D. 208.443.2512 & Idaho D. Of Land 208.443.2516
PEND ORIELLE COUNTY SHERIFF: 509.447.3151
DESCRIPTION:
From the trailhead, head west on trail #370 which was an old logging road. At about 1/2 a mile, bear left and continue up. As the old road crosses the ridge to the north side after about 1.5 miles, it climbs up the ridge. After about 2.3 miles the road/trail opens up and comes to the junction with Trail #103. Turn right (north) onto a trail for about 1/3 a mile where the trail drops slightly in an open area. Here the trail fades, so look for a trail that turns sharply to the right (east) and leas to the summit.
The old dilapidated cabin was built in 1927 for the fire lookout personnel. They used to climb ladders to the "alidade", a shelter where they spotted wildfires. After 8 years of use the alidade was removed and the cabin was not maintained after that.
The Spokane Mountaineers used to use this ascent to practice ice axe travel and other mountaineering skills.
One of the more known Spokane Mountaineers, Pete Van Gelder, made these trips for years. His name is etched into a log in the cabin, with the many dates he visited the area, often times with another Spokane Mountaineer, Ray Kresek. Ray wrote the book on Fire Lookouts of the old days.
The old dilapidated cabin was built in 1927 for the fire lookout personnel. They used to climb ladders to the "alidade", a shelter where they spotted wildfires. After 8 years of use the alidade was removed and the cabin was not maintained after that.
The Spokane Mountaineers used to use this ascent to practice ice axe travel and other mountaineering skills.
One of the more known Spokane Mountaineers, Pete Van Gelder, made these trips for years. His name is etched into a log in the cabin, with the many dates he visited the area, often times with another Spokane Mountaineer, Ray Kresek. Ray wrote the book on Fire Lookouts of the old days.
OPTION #1:
To extend your hike, head south on trail #103 for about 2.5 miles to Hungry Mt. or about 3 more miles to North Baldy 6173'
DIRECTIONS:
From Priest River, drive north on Hwy 57 for 34 miles and turn left (west) onto Kalispell Rock Road #308. Then drive 9.25 miles to an unmarked parking area.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
The Pend Orielle River, Kalispell Falls, Sullivan Lake, Hall Mt, and the Crowell Ridge.
HAZARDS:
Because of the trails odd turns and veers, it would be wise to mark the trails back, the way you came up, to ensure your safe return to the cars.
R & P:
NA