SCOTCHMAN NO. 2 RESEARCH NATURAL AREA 6,989’
EVENT TYPE: Day Hike, Backpack, Crosscountry
DISTANCE: 14+ miles?
ELEVATION: 3,600 feet
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
MAPS:
GPS: 48°12'52.4"N 116°03'09.2"W
DISTANCE: 14+ miles?
ELEVATION: 3,600 feet
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
MAPS:
GPS: 48°12'52.4"N 116°03'09.2"W
DESCRIPTION:
OPTION #1:
OPTION #2:
OPTION #3:
DIRECTIONS:
Site Basic Report: Scotchman No. 2
Scotchman 2 is situated in the heart of the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness/Roadless area. It is 6989 feet tall and the sister peak to Scotchman Peak (7009') located approximately two miles south AS THE CROW FLIES. This hike remains my all time favorite and most rewarding. The ridgeline offers spectacular views of the Blue Creek drainage and Scotchman Peak to the South. To the North you'll gaze with awe into Savage Mountain Country - a vast trailess area with some fabulous geological formations (and another Terracache). All the while your olfactory senses will be nearly overwhelmed by the aroma of the Subalpine Firs in the area. Due to the remoteness of Scotchman 2 it is seldom climbed; as such the sense of accomplishment when you reach this summit is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have if you, like me, just love being in the mountains.
To get here drive two miles east of Troy Mt, turn south off HW 2 onto Lake Creek Rd #384 and travel 15 miles to Spar Lake and then another 4 miles on unimproved road to the trailhead. It can also be accessed from HW 56 by turning west onto the Troy Mine Rd (not marked) just south of milepost 25. Just prior to the mine gate turn right and follow signs to Spar Lake.
The first three quarter mile of the trail is an old logging road. Look first for the trailhead to Spar Peak and then about 100 yards past that you'll find the trailhead to Little Spar Lake (Trail 143). The trail is located in the most scenic and dramatic stream valley in the Cabinet Mountain range. It is adorned with incredible cliffs on the southeast side; it's among these cliffs that you'll often catch site of mountain goats. Giant Western Hemlocks are scattered along the middle portion of the trail, many in excess of 12 feet in circumference. When runoff is high the area is replete with waterfalls and rushing torrents. Little Spar Lake is a spectacular alpine gem with a population of mountain (small) size trout. This is also prime Grizzley Bear habitat - forewarned is forearmed.
From the lake bush wack straight up from the campsite area to the base of a large cliff. Then contour to the south to the saddle at 5824 foot of elevation. From there choose your desired route to the ridgeline far above. Once you achieve the ridgeline the remainder of the route is pretty much self evident. There are four or five intermediate "summits" along the ridge until you reach the final summit.
Its possible that you might be able to scramble over here from Scotchman Peak, however, both times I tried that stunt I prit near killed myself attempting to negotiate cliffs and snowfields. Anything's possible however so be my guest - pioneer a new route.
Scotchman 2 is situated in the heart of the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness/Roadless area. It is 6989 feet tall and the sister peak to Scotchman Peak (7009') located approximately two miles south AS THE CROW FLIES. This hike remains my all time favorite and most rewarding. The ridgeline offers spectacular views of the Blue Creek drainage and Scotchman Peak to the South. To the North you'll gaze with awe into Savage Mountain Country - a vast trailess area with some fabulous geological formations (and another Terracache). All the while your olfactory senses will be nearly overwhelmed by the aroma of the Subalpine Firs in the area. Due to the remoteness of Scotchman 2 it is seldom climbed; as such the sense of accomplishment when you reach this summit is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have if you, like me, just love being in the mountains.
To get here drive two miles east of Troy Mt, turn south off HW 2 onto Lake Creek Rd #384 and travel 15 miles to Spar Lake and then another 4 miles on unimproved road to the trailhead. It can also be accessed from HW 56 by turning west onto the Troy Mine Rd (not marked) just south of milepost 25. Just prior to the mine gate turn right and follow signs to Spar Lake.
The first three quarter mile of the trail is an old logging road. Look first for the trailhead to Spar Peak and then about 100 yards past that you'll find the trailhead to Little Spar Lake (Trail 143). The trail is located in the most scenic and dramatic stream valley in the Cabinet Mountain range. It is adorned with incredible cliffs on the southeast side; it's among these cliffs that you'll often catch site of mountain goats. Giant Western Hemlocks are scattered along the middle portion of the trail, many in excess of 12 feet in circumference. When runoff is high the area is replete with waterfalls and rushing torrents. Little Spar Lake is a spectacular alpine gem with a population of mountain (small) size trout. This is also prime Grizzley Bear habitat - forewarned is forearmed.
From the lake bush wack straight up from the campsite area to the base of a large cliff. Then contour to the south to the saddle at 5824 foot of elevation. From there choose your desired route to the ridgeline far above. Once you achieve the ridgeline the remainder of the route is pretty much self evident. There are four or five intermediate "summits" along the ridge until you reach the final summit.
Its possible that you might be able to scramble over here from Scotchman Peak, however, both times I tried that stunt I prit near killed myself attempting to negotiate cliffs and snowfields. Anything's possible however so be my guest - pioneer a new route.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
HAZARDS:
The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous avalanche chutes. The area is grizzly bear habitat.
R & P:
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
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