Jordan Loop Snowmobile Tour

Check it out

Distance: 54-62 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Riding time: 3-6 hours

Season: Dec. through March

Maps: Wallace District Snowmobile Trails, available from Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Info: Wallace Ranger District, (208) 752-1221

Snowmobiling trip notes

Access: From Kingston exit off Interstate 90 (west of Kellogg), head 31 miles north on paved Coeur d’Alene River Road, past Prichard, to trailhead at Forest Service Shoshone Work Center. In cases when road not plowed past Prichard, park at Babin’s Junction. Laws amended so snowmobiles can travel along road from Babin’s to Shoshone Work Center.

Attractions: This easy-to-follow groomed route leads to remote headwaters of Coeur d’Alene River. Gain 2,065 feet elevation from Shoshone Work Center to 4,568-foot high point near Cathedral Peak at north end of the loop. Route ranks lower in county’s grooming priority than other trails in region. Therefore use lighter, but conditions could be rougher. Several side-trip options and play areas.

Comments: Go clockwise on route, heading up Coeur d’Alene River. Trail follows paved road to confluence of Teepee Creek and upper Coeur d’Alene River. Note junctions with trails that head west into excellent 320-mile Fernan Ranger District trail system.

From Independence Creek, route climbs, winding up and down through drainages to high point at ridge just northwest of Cathedral Peak. Trail offers several good overlooks into Independence Creek.

From Cathedral Peak area, route crosses bridge over upper Coeur d’Alene River at Jordan Camp, elev. 3,038 feet. Continue uphill again to Jordan Saddle, elev. 4,100 feet, before working gradually down Shoshone Creek toward Trailhead.

If enough snow cover, clearcuts provide play areas. After windstorms, this route is low priority for grooming and cutting out blowdowns. During spring thaws, expect washouts and some bare trail at lower elevations along river. This is only one route among roughly 400 miles of groomed trails in Shoshone County.

For updates on grooming and trail conditions, call Old Mission State Park, (208) 682-3814.

In addition to state registration sticker, each snowmobile must have groomer sticker from Kootenai, Shoshone or Bonner counties. Stickers cost $5 for Idaho residents; $20 for non-residents, with fees going directly to grooming program. Stickers available from snowmobile dealers or county vehicle registration offices.

Snowmobile guide services and rentals available in Wallace, Idaho, from Schaefer’s Marine, (208) 753-5271 at about $100/day. Other packages available through Heritage Tours, (208) 752-9401.

Gas and supplies available at Babin’s Grocery at Prichard, (208) 682-4317.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of Jordan Loop Snowmobile Tour

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest CREDIT = Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review