Hog Canyon Dayhike

HIKING TRIP NOTES

Access: Take Fishtrap Exit 254 from Interstate 90 and drive south on paved road 2 1/2 miles. Turn left on paved Scroggie Road. Drive nine-tenths of mile (passing marked trailhead heading south from road) to unmarked trailhead on north side of road. Parking very limited along road. Better parking available down road at public fishing access near Fishtrap Lake Resort.

Optional access: North end of trail can be reached by Hog Canyon Lake fishing access road. From I-90, head south 2 1/4 miles, turning east just after going under railroad overpass. Drive 1 1/3 miles on dirt road and turn right to BLM’s Hog Canyon Lake access road. Gate here may be locked in early spring. If not locked, proceed 1 1/2 miles to unmarked trailhead. Road-like trail also reached with some searching from lake’s fishing access, which is one-fourth mile farther down steep, bumpy access road.

Attractions: Scabland canyon, shaded with ponderosa pines and rich with wetlands, holds variety of plants and wildlife. Plenty of room for cross-country exploring to off-trail attractions, such as seasonal waterfall at north end of Hog Canyon Lake.

Comments: Trail begins on old road path. Hike past gravel pit, bear right and cross seasonal creek. Path goes up, then left and into opening. From here, hike about 300 yards until path begins to fade. Just past last three large pines on left, trail bends right through grass, then plunges into canyon, where trail is better defined.

Hikers might avoid area on first few weekends of state trout fishing season, which typically opens in late April. Fishtrap Lake Resort and public fishing access generally are jammed with vehicles.

While Fishtrap Lake routinely is among region’s best trout fishing lakes during spring, Hog Canyon Lake is open to fishing only Dec. 1 through March 31.

BLM land is open to many uses, including hunting. Primary hunting seasons begin in mid-October. No vehicles, including mountain bikes, allowed off established roads or trails.

This route has some steep, rocky sections. Can be hikable in minimal snow cover during winter, but impassable in March or April when trail is inundated with temporary wetlands.

Camping allowed only by permit through BLM’s District office in Spokane. Cooking must be done on camp stoves or barbecues. No campfires allowed.

Do not stray off public lands without permission of private landowners. BLM officials particularly wary of littering and other abuses to land.

Map shows portion of 8,000-acre ranch BLM purchased in 1992 for $2.5 million from Charles and Dianne Miller. Charles Miller’s ancestors homesteaded in 1871.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CHECK IT OUT Distance: 3 miles roundtrip Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours Season: Mid-May through mid-October Maps: Fishtrap Lake-Miller Ranch “map sheet one” available from U.S. Bureau of Land Management Info: BLM, Spokane District, 536-1200

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