SELKIRK CREST HIGH TRAVERSE. TRAILS # 217 & 279
EVENT TYPE: Hiking, backpacking and scrambling
DISTANCE: About 10 miles
ELEVATION: 3500 to 4000'
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous
MAPS: IPNF - Kaniksu N.F., USGS - The Wigwams, Roman Nose, ID
GPS: Harrison Lake 48° 42’ 12.5”N 116° 37’ 23.4”W, Beehive Lake 48° 38’ 59.3”N 116° 37’ 25.0”W
RANGER DISTRICT: Bonners Ferry R.D. 911 or 208.267.5561
DISTANCE: About 10 miles
ELEVATION: 3500 to 4000'
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous
MAPS: IPNF - Kaniksu N.F., USGS - The Wigwams, Roman Nose, ID
GPS: Harrison Lake 48° 42’ 12.5”N 116° 37’ 23.4”W, Beehive Lake 48° 38’ 59.3”N 116° 37’ 25.0”W
RANGER DISTRICT: Bonners Ferry R.D. 911 or 208.267.5561
DESCRIPTION:
Because of the length of the drive, I would suggest staying at or near the trailhead. Leave a car at the Beehive Trailhead so you don't have to walk the 1.2 miles up to the cars. Hike to the 2.3 miles to Harrison Lake on trail # 217. While enjoying the lake and your snack, notice the back wall above the lake. Your goal is to scramble to the SECOND LOWEST NOTCH on that wall, or the left lowest notch. After a snack, walk around the left (south) side of the lake and look for a small stand of Sub-Alpine Fir on your left about 75 verts above the back of the lake. Skirt the right (west) side of the trees, and start your scramble to the notch. Yes its steep, but very doable. Stop as much as you need to rest. Once you are on top, you are on the American Selkirk's Crest. Turn left (south) and make your way to Peak 7171'. Peak 7171' is the second high peak on the Crest above the lake. This is a good place to have your first lunch. From here you can hike the Crest south for up to 4 summits. You can't get down the 4th peak. All along the ridge there are ways to get down to the high meadows below. Once in the meadows, walk the 1.4 miles south towards the long ridge above Little Harrison Lake. This is a good place for your second lunch and a quick nap. After you have enjoyed Little Harrison Lake, walk around the left (east) side of the lake, and scramble to the top of the ridge. On the ridge look for a notch and a faint trail down to Beehive Lake. Enjoy Beehive because the hike to the trailhead is nearly 3.8 miles below the lake. But it’s on a nicely maintained trail.
DIRECTIONS:
Drive north of Sandpoint on 95 for 10.5 miles to Samuel. There is a gas mart on the west side of 95 and signs for the Pack River Road #231. Drive 20 miles on 231 to the end of the road and the Harrison Lake's trailhead.
HAZARDS:
Because about half of the route is off trail, you must take extra care on this entire route.
Be sure to carry your 13 essentials, a water purifier, and dress for all weather conditions.
Be sure to carry your 13 essentials, a water purifier, and dress for all weather conditions.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Fault Lake, the Seven Sisters of the American Selkirks, and Pend Orielle Lake.
R & P:
Jalapeños, Mr. Sub, Burger Express, and Eichardt’s in Sandpoint