A great spring hike
If you don’t mind walking a log plank and wading a shallow creek, Beauty-Carlin Trail No. 257 is a great spring hike.
With the recent rains Beauty Creek earns its name, with clear waters rushing through the cedars along a forest road southeast of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Adjacent to Beauty Creek Road (Forest Road 438), the trail immediately crosses Beauty Creek, a small tributary and then climbs through tall trees to a ridge top.
About a mile into the hike, the trail traverses a logging road, paralleling it until meeting Forest Road 439 (this is about 2.4 miles from the trailhead and makes a good turnaround point).
Walk about a quarter-mile southeast on Road 439 to rejoin the main trail. Dropping through thick timber for a little over a mile, the trail soon begins switchbacks to the valley, following No Creek to the confluence with Pleasant Creek. After another log bridge crossing at Pleasant Creek, the course follows the creek through the lowlands for about half a mile, before entering another forest and meeting Trail No. 227.
This ends the 5.7-mile trek, with the option of continuing on 227 to Mount Coeur d’Alene (this trail will be featured in a future article).
Access: Take Interstate 90 east to Highway 97 (about 10 miles from downtown Coeur d’Alene). Turn right on 97 for about 2.3 miles, then left on Beauty Creek Road (Forest Road 438). Follow 438 for approximately 3.9 miles. There is a very small parking area on the left side of the road (drive slowly or you will miss it) and the marked trailhead is just across the road.
Length: 5.7 miles to the juncture with Trail 227.
Elevation: Begins at 2,600 feet (mean sea level) and peaks about 3,700 feet.
Use: Light.
Trail condition: Good trail, with water crossings and mud in the flats.
Difficulty: Moderate with elevation changes various terrain.
Restrictions: No motorized vehicles.
What to see: The beauty of Beauty Creek, mountain views and wildlife.
Special features: Good camping spot at No Creek along the trail and at the Beauty Creek campground.
Preparation: Free trail guide available at the U.S. Forest Service, 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene, (208) 765-7223. The ranger office suggests leaving your trip schedule with a responsible person. Detailed topographical maps are available for purchase from the following vendors in Coeur d’Alene: Black Sheep Sporting Goods, The Yacht Club Sales and Service and North Idaho Blueprint.
Gear: Waterproof hiking boots are a good choice for spring hiking on this trail. It’s recommended to dress for changing conditions and to carry drinking water and a first-aid kit.
Note: Be especially careful when crossing the bridges – they are narrow and slippery when wet.