LITTLE SPAR LAKE & HORSESHOE POND
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. 406.295.4693
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. 406.295.4693
DESCRIPTION:
The day started at 5am, when I met Chris for a trip to the Proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness area, Little Spar Lake and Horseshoe Pond..
We choose Hwy 95 to Hwy 2 east. It’s the fastest auto route.
Once at the trailhead, which looks more like a washout zone, the trail heads WSW up Spar Creek.
Watch for the second Spar Lake Trail sign, and go right along side the creek.
Soon you will have to cross Spar Creek. When you come to the open area above the sign, a faint near vertical trail on the opposite side, gets you to the trail above. Turn left (SW) with Spar Creek on your left, downhill.
From here, the trail is more obvious and direct to the lake.
What I noticed about this trail, was there were over twenty undulations as the trail ascends to the lake. So the ascent isn’t always up.
Just before the lake is an open area, and a short stretch of the creek before another short stretch thru the woods.
All along this trail are massive cliffs, towering above.
When the lake comes into view, you know you are in a very special place.
Beautiful green grasses occupy the NE end of the lake. The views are spectacular.
After lunch, we cut straight up hill to the ridge high above.
The forests in our region, are experiencing an incredible growth of under brush. On this scramble, the vegetation was head high and challenging to ascend thru.
After about .5 miles, the forest opens up into scree slopes. These make for easy hiking and traversing.
Directly above are massive cliffs that all look like they are ready to come crashing down.
Soon we are on the SW ridge we need to be on, to get to Horseshoe Pond.
As we drop down the ridge line, we soon come to where this ridge meets the saddle above Spar Lake.
Horseshoe Pond is next to the saddle.
Horseshoe Pond, is similar to Little Harrison Lake in the Selkirks, but a third the size.
This area around Horseshoe Pond is extremely fragile.
PLEASE, PLEASE, camp clean, off the vegetation, and away from the lake. And remember, no human waste within 200’ of any water source.
After your stay at the pond, you can follow your way out, you did on your way in.
Down thru the forest above the lake, know that you can not get lost here.
Simply head down hill until you come to the lake or the trail below.
All along the trail out are the miles long cliffs above. Outstanding scenery and photo ops.
Try to be off the upper trail above the first crossing, before dark.
Even with headlights, this trail is rough and complicated.
I wouldn’t suggest sneakers. Sturdy boots are your best bet.
Hiking poles really help, but stow them in your pack when you are chicwackin’ up thru the forests.
To understand the geology of this mountain range, search AMERICAN SELKIRKS and double click it.
An article on the most spectacular event ever to happen near us, will open up.
It’s hundreds and hundreds of time bigger then the Glacier Lake Missoula Floods, some 12,000-15,000 years ago.
I have had two geologist verify this article.
The article mentioned above took place about 80 Million years ago.
You will be amazed
OPTION #1:
Just past the first Spar Lakes trail, look for another trail about 200 yards to the west. Trail #324 heads SW along Club Creek for about 2.25 tough 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 #2.
Be aware that it is a rugged off trail route that requires good route finding skills, as well as a lot of time.
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. Most of 384 is paved, with a center section that is gravel.
The trailhead looks like it was built in a creek washout zone. Be cautious in the spring.
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. Most of 384 is paved, with a center section that is gravel.
The trailhead looks like it was built in a creek washout zone. Be cautious in the spring.
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, the trail is rough due to jagged rocks, and 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.
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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, but don’t miss the Kaiju Sushi Bar on 9th Street.
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
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PHOTO GALLERY
SPAR PEAK 6585' AND UNNAMED TOWER ALONG THE TRAIL IN
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
AN UNNAMED SPIRE ALONG THE LENGTHY WALL ABOVE SPAR CREEK
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
THE SOUTH WALL ABOVE SPAR CREEK STRETCHES OVER A MILE
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
UPPER SPAR CREEK ON THE WAY TO SPAR LAKE
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
OUR LUNCH SITE ALONG THE EAST END OF LITTLE SPAR LAKE
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
WE CUT DIRECTLY UP, MY FAVORITE DIRECTION,
THRU THE WOODS UNTIL WE BROKE OUT WITH THIS VIEW
CHRIS HIKING ABOVE LITTLE SPAR LAKE TOWARDS HORSESHOE POND
A PANO VIEW OF THE CLIFFS ABOVE TRAIL #143
FAR OFF IN THE DISTANCE IS SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN 7566'.
THE TOWER NEXT TO SPAR PEAK.
LITTLE SPAR LAKE
HORSESHOE POND WITH SAVAGE MOUNTAIN 6906'
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
THE PENINSULA IN HORSESHOE POND
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
THE VIEW WEST FROM HORSESHOE POND
SCOTCHMAN PEAK #2 IN CENTER
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
ON THE RETURN HIKE, VIEWS OF LITTLE SPAR LAKE ARE INCREDIBLE
THE LAST VIEW OF LITTLE SPAR LAKE BEFORE HEADING DOWN
IMAGE BY CHRIS H.
