SPAR LAKE & LITTE SPAR LAKE
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, backpacking, scrambling, paddling
DISTANCE: 8 miles RT
ELEVATION: 1900’
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Spar Lakes topo
GPS: 48°12'56.7"N 116°00'47.9"W
RANGER DISTRICT: Three River R.D. 406.827.3533
DISTANCE: 8 miles RT
ELEVATION: 1900’
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Spar Lakes topo
GPS: 48°12'56.7"N 116°00'47.9"W
RANGER DISTRICT: Three River R.D. 406.827.3533
DESCRIPTION:
You can drive to the first Spar Lake and camp and paddle. The lake has nice views, and Sawtooth Peak 6745' sticks up into the sky line way off in the distance.
Trail #143 is at the end of the the Spar Lake Road about 2 miles to the SW of the camp grounds. At the U turn of the road, look for the Little Spar Lake sign and a creek crossing.
Once on the trail, you will be amazed at the exceptionally scenic trail and the valley it’s in.
When you break out of the forest, Spar Peak and several other large summits and magnificent cliffs draw your attention. They literally demand your awe. Watch for Mountain Goats on these cliffs.
About 1.5 miles up the trail at a creek crossing, look for a late season snowfield that lingers often into September. Along the trail are western Hemlock that in some cases measure 3-4 feet in diameter. Also about a mile up the trail, listen for the sounds of a waterfall. It’s worth visiting.
At about 2.5 miles the trail crosses a rocky stream.
As you walk out to the lake, look around at the spectacular scenery that encases the lake.
There are several camp sites scattered along the base of the lake. Retrace your steps back to the car.
Trail #143 is at the end of the the Spar Lake Road about 2 miles to the SW of the camp grounds. At the U turn of the road, look for the Little Spar Lake sign and a creek crossing.
Once on the trail, you will be amazed at the exceptionally scenic trail and the valley it’s in.
When you break out of the forest, Spar Peak and several other large summits and magnificent cliffs draw your attention. They literally demand your awe. Watch for Mountain Goats on these cliffs.
About 1.5 miles up the trail at a creek crossing, look for a late season snowfield that lingers often into September. Along the trail are western Hemlock that in some cases measure 3-4 feet in diameter. Also about a mile up the trail, listen for the sounds of a waterfall. It’s worth visiting.
At about 2.5 miles the trail crosses a rocky stream.
As you walk out to the lake, look around at the spectacular scenery that encases the lake.
There are several camp sites scattered along the base of the lake. Retrace your steps back to the car.
OPTION #1:
Just past the Spar Lakes trail, look for another trail about 200 yards to the east. Trail #324 heads SW along Club Creek for about 2.25 miles to Spar Peak. The views south down the Proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is to die for. Don't miss it.
OPTION #2:
From the summit of Spar Peak, there is an option to go off trail here and summit Scotchmans Peak. Be aware that it is a rugged off trail route that requires good route finding skills, as well as a lot of time.
DIRECTIONS:
North
From Troy, Montana drive east on Highway 2 for two miles to Lake Creek Road #384. Drive about 15 miles to Spar Lake, and continue for another 4 miles to the trailhead.
South
Turn left (north) up Highway 56 and look for the milepost 25 sign, and the Troy Mine Road and follow the signs.
From Troy, Montana drive east on Highway 2 for two miles to Lake Creek Road #384. Drive about 15 miles to Spar Lake, and continue for another 4 miles to the trailhead.
South
Turn left (north) up Highway 56 and look for the milepost 25 sign, and the Troy Mine Road and follow the signs.
HAZARDS:
To Upper Spar Lake, there are no notable hazards, but there are a few stream crossings that can be an issue, depending on the time of year.
To Spar Peak however, there are several sketchy trail sections. Use care.
To Scotchmans Peak, the off trail route is rough and primitive. Be an avid off trail scrambler for this option. Plan ahead carefully, and use caution.
To Spar Peak however, there are several sketchy trail sections. Use care.
To Scotchmans Peak, the off trail route is rough and primitive. Be an avid off trail scrambler for this option. Plan ahead carefully, and use caution.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Kootenai Falls & the Kootenai River, the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, Bull Lake, Ross Creek Cedars, Sawtooth Mountain 7663', and the South Fork Ross Creek.
R & P:
Clark Fork Pantry in Clark Fork, Jalapeños in Sandpoint. Henry's and The Shed in Libby
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
Click for Current NOAA Weather Conditions
PHOTO GALLERY
BIG SPAR LAKE CAMPGROUND
THE VIEW FROM THE SCENIC BRIDGE
FROM THE BRIDGE
ALONG THE TRAIL TO UPPER SPAR LAKE
TRAIL SIDE CLIFFS TO UPPER SPAR LAKE
SCOTCHMAN PEAK FAR LEFT, SCOTCHMAN 2 FAR RIGHT
