Scotchman Peak #65, ID

Overview: Popular trail in northern Idaho, leading to the summit of Scotchman Peak.


Hike: Starting from the trailhead, the trail is well marked and immediately begins heading uphill. Various signs warn you about grizzly bears and mountain goats in the area. This is a steep hike, with a steady gain of 3700' in just under four miles. The trail can be broken down and described in four sections.The first 1.40 miles are constant switchbacks, about thirty of them if you are counting by corner, gaining about 1200'. The trail is easy to follow, and is in good condition, with few rocks or roots in the way. The forest is dense and green, but the views are somewhat limited due to the thick vegetation.

After the switchbacks end, the second "section" covers the next 0.90 miles, gaining another 1000'. The trail mostly goes straight up a ridge on the southern side of Scotchman. Again, the forest is fairly dense, so the views aren't the best, but you can see off the east and west sides of the ridge in places. The trail is still in good shape, easy to follow, no obstacles.

The third "section" is another series of switchbacks, long ones this time, about five total. The trees thin out quite a bit at this point, and views are excellent as you make your way up the steep slope, gaining another 950' in one mile. There are some rocks and tree roots on the trail in this section, but overall the trail is still in good shape.

The fourth "section" begins about 3.30 miles into the hike. There is another sign with the mountain goat warning, and the trail turns more to the east and becomes mostly talus. At this point, there are 0.60 miles to go with another 550' to gain. Views in all directions are incredible, and as you climb the ridge, the summit of Scotchman dramatically looms ahead to the east. The trail through the talus becomes somewhat vague in a few places, but common sense keeps you on the ridge, or slightly on the south side of the ridge, and the trail always becomes clear again after a short distance. It is a rocky final climb to the summit, but no real scrambling is required. Mountain goats frequent the summit, which has plenty of room to sit on the rocks and enjoy the views. There is also a small shelter of sorts built into the rocks at the summit, but it doesn't seem like a wind shelter, so its purpose is unclear.

Warning: Be aware of wildlife in the area, which could potentially include: mountain goats, moose, and bears (grizzly or black)

2022-09-12 LindaAnn