Unchained Trail - Enchanted Forest, ID

Overview: Unchained Trail is part of the Enchanted Forest network for mountain biking and hiking, on the northwestern edge of the Cabinet Mountains. Numerous loop options are available.


Hike: Unchained Trail starts from the parking area off Hoot Owl Rd. At the information board (take a picture of the trail map for reference on the hike), take the trail on the right side of the board, heading southeast. The first part of the trail is mostly flat as it heads into the trees. In about a tenth of a mile, there is a signed fork in the trail. Take the right fork to stay on Unchained Trail.After the fork, the trail begins to head noticeably uphill through a series of several switchbacks over the next half mile. After the trail straightens out a bit, you should be able to hear Dobson Creek far below you to your left. While the trail mostly parallels the creek all the way up, it is generally high above the creek and you only get a few glimpses of it.

As you wind your way uphill, you'll catch some glimpses of the valley below and the Selkirk Mountains to the west, and some of the Cabinet Mountains to your south. The climb is steady, but never really steep, and the trail surface is very good, making for pleasant hiking through the trees.

The end of the trail is somewhat vague. There is no sign at the junction with East Boundary Trail, and Unchained seems to just blend into East Boundary. The posted track does mark a waypoint very closely where Unchained seems to end. Future expansion plans of the Enchanted Forest network will likely result in a more defined junction between the two trails. Either retrace your steps back down or continue on East Boundary to create a loop with one of the other trails in the network.

2022-06-08 LindaAnn