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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Farragut High Point Dayhike

HIKING TRIP NOTES

Access: From U.S. Highway 95 at Athol (milepost 449), head east at well-marked intersection and follow signs to Farragut State Park. Just past park headquarters and visitor center, turn right on South Road and drive 1/4 mile to trailhead.

Attractions: Easy-access three-season forest hike with options to suit walkers of all abilities. Full loop trail makes 500-foot elevation gain to views of Lake Pend Oreille and impressive rock formations - highest point generally accessible from Farragut. Shorter options eliminate steep climb and descent. Developed camping and day-use areas available in main area of park.

Comments: From trailhead, hike loop trail clockwise. Full trip leads from bottomland vegetation to mountain penstemon displays in rocks near high point.

First option at marker No. 25: Take connector trail to right to make easy 1-mile flat-land loop back to trailhead.

Second option at marker No. 32: Detour north for 3/4-mile Squirrel Cache Nature Trail, which includes labeled trees for identification. Look for woodpecker borings. If you have kids, expect delays at Peak Hole Rock.

Third option at marker No. 27: Go down trail (north) along creek for view of Lake Pend Oreille and connection to Shoreline Trail.

Fourth option, also at marker No. 27: Head up road/trail (south) for easy 2-mile loop back to trailhead, avoiding steep portion of High Point route.

From marker No. 27, those willing to hike entire route should continue uphill on trail that winds through rocks and gives views of swimming areas in Buttonhook Bay. Trail high point is elev. 2,800 in rock outcroppings with many higher niches to explore. Caution required: Rocks can be slick near precipitous cliffs.

Trail loops back with several short but steep rocky downhill pitches that require caution. Trail soon becomes gentle again.

Shortly after crossing barbed-wire fence, look for Y in trail. Left fork leads to spring, former source for water delivered downhill by cedar culverts to Pend Oreille City at Buttonhook Bay. From spring, old Bernard Peak trail heads uphill to south, but now is interrupted by private forest company clearcut.

From spring, head downhill to gate at marker No. 28 and finish with easy walk back to trailhead.

Trail, originally developed for Boy Scout jamborees, fell into disrepair until rebuilt and extended from South Road in 1991. Farragut Park, which is very popular on summer weekends, has day-use fee of $2 per vehicle. Camping and other amenities also available.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of dayhike area

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CHECK IT OUT Distance: 3 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate Hiking time: 1 1/2 - 3 hours Season: April through October Maps: USGS Bayview, High Point Trail map available at park headquarters Info: Farragut State Park, (208) 683-2425

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest

This sidebar appeared with the story: CHECK IT OUT Distance: 3 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate Hiking time: 1 1/2 - 3 hours Season: April through October Maps: USGS Bayview, High Point Trail map available at park headquarters Info: Farragut State Park, (208) 683-2425

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest