STAR PEAK 6167’. TRAIL #998
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, backpacking, equestrian
DISTANCE: about 8 miles RT
ELEVATION: 4116’
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Heron topo
GPS: 48°09’33” N 115°92’77” W
DISTANCE: about 8 miles RT
ELEVATION: 4116’
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Heron topo
GPS: 48°09’33” N 115°92’77” W
DESCRIPTION:
Trail #998 starts near the Big Eddy Campground and Boat launch along the Clark Fork River, on Highway 200. The actual trailhead was relocated in 2016-7.
Most of the trail is up thru thick forests of Douglas Fir, until higher up the trail, where Lodgepole pine takes over. Be sure to stop and rest occasionally along this trail.
As you approach the summit, the views are restricted to the trees. But as you walk onto the summit block, the views open up. In the middle of the summit area stands an old log cabin that was used for storage for the lookout personnel. The active lookout tower remains on it's rocky pinnacle above to the east. Take a moment to walk to it for some of the most spectacular views in the area.
But there's something else that draws people to this peak. Off in the distance to the south rim of the summit, is the most spectacular outhouse you can imagine. It sits on the very edge of the summit block. From near the outhouse, you can look down some 50+ degrees to the Clark Fork River.
Take extra care descending this trail. It is steep in places and hard on the knees.
Most of the trail is up thru thick forests of Douglas Fir, until higher up the trail, where Lodgepole pine takes over. Be sure to stop and rest occasionally along this trail.
As you approach the summit, the views are restricted to the trees. But as you walk onto the summit block, the views open up. In the middle of the summit area stands an old log cabin that was used for storage for the lookout personnel. The active lookout tower remains on it's rocky pinnacle above to the east. Take a moment to walk to it for some of the most spectacular views in the area.
But there's something else that draws people to this peak. Off in the distance to the south rim of the summit, is the most spectacular outhouse you can imagine. It sits on the very edge of the summit block. From near the outhouse, you can look down some 50+ degrees to the Clark Fork River.
Take extra care descending this trail. It is steep in places and hard on the knees.
DIRECTIONS:
From Clark Fork, head east on Highway 200 into Montana for 6 miles and look for a Big Eddy sign along Hwy 200. Look for the new parking area. Across from the Big Eddy sign is a steep road that leads to the trailhead.
HAZARDS:
Long hard up with lots of elevation gain. Take many rest breaks on this hike.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
The Clark Fork River, Cabinet Gorge Dam, Heron, Pillick Ridge, the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness.
R & P:
Clark Fork Pantry, Clark Fork Jalapeños, Mr. Sub, and Eichardt’s in Sandpoint
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
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