Clifty Mountain 6705 - IPNF, ID

Overview: Short hike to the summit of Clifty Mountain, which provides magnificent views of a large swath of North Idaho.


Hike: The trail begins on the south side of the parking area, and is marked with a large brown bulletin board. Clifty Mountain Trail #182 heads east from here, which you will utilize for the start of the hike. The uphill begins immediately, as you hike through the forest. Views are initially limited by trees. The trail surface is mostly in good shape, with some exposed tree roots.At approximately 1.20 miles, the trail forks. Take the left fork onto the spur trail to the summit. As you continue uphill, views start to open up. The trees also get shorter as you approach the timber line in this region. The summit is treeless, with views in all directions. The Selkirk Mountains rise dramatically to the west, looming a mile above the Kootenai River Valley/Purcell Trench. The Valley continues to the northwest into Canada, full of farmland surrounding the Kootenai River. The Purcell Mountains are to the northeast, and the rest of the Cabinet Mountains stretch to the east and southeast. Looking southwest, you can get a glimpse of Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint. The towns of Bonners Ferry and Moyie Springs are below you to the north.

After enjoying the views, retrace your steps back downhill. Black Mountain, immediately to the west, must have a cell tower located at the electronics site at the summit, because cell service is surprisingly good along this hike.

Note: Bears, both black and grizzly, frequent this area. Remain aware of your surroundings.

2025-08-19 LindaAnn