Groups plan trips for hikers

Exploring new Inland Northwest hiking destinations has never been easier, thanks to an ambitious guided hiking program launched this spring by several different conservation organizations.

Conservation Northwest, the Spokane Mountaineers and the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) have separately announced a long list of organized trips that will introduce hikers to areas for which the groups are seeking wilderness protection.

The Conservation Northwest and Spokane Mountaineers hikes are in the Colville National Forest while the FSPW hikes are in the Panhandle and Kootenai national forests region straddling the Idaho-Montana border between Sandpoint and Libby.

“This is an excellent opportunity to get out on the trail with other outdoor enthusiasts to experience some of the most beautiful, wild country in the region,” said Derrick Knowles with Conservation Northwest. “Some of our hikes will be more challenging climbs to some of eastern Washington’s highest peaks, while others will be more moderate walks through some fantastic, scenic places. There is something for everyone.”

Similarly, FSPW is planning hikes that range from easy walks suitable for families to overnighters that bushwhack through trail-less terrain to hidden places in the 88,000 acres proposed as the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

The reason for going through the effort to organize the hikes and lead people to the group’s favorite places is simple, said Phil Hough, the friends group spokesman in Sandpoint. “We want people to see first-hand why the Scotchmans are so special.”

Following are hikes the groups are organizing for the public in June and July. Pre-register with the listed contact, since the number of participants is limited for each hike. (More hikes are scheduled in August and September).

Colville Forest

June 24-25: Kettle Range Rendezvous hiking weekend. Choose from several hikes, Emerald Lake via Hoodoo Canyon, Sherman Peak loop or Jungle Hill to Wapaloosie Mountain. A group car-camp and a potluck will be organized. Contact: Conservation Northwest, (509) 747-1663.

July 15: Sherman Peak Loop, a moderate five-mile dayhike starting at Sherman Pass east of Republic. Contact: Conservation Northwest, (509) 747-1663.

July 22: Abercrombie Mountain, a more difficult eight-mile dayhike near Metaline that climbing to the top of the second highest peak in northeastern Washington. Contact: Spokane Mountaineers (509) 489-0410.

July 29: Grassy Top Mountain, a moderate eight-mile dayhike from Pass Creek Pass near the Idaho-Washington border east of Sullivan Lake. Contact: Spokane Mountaineers (509) 999-5100.

Scotchman peaks

June 18: Scotchman Peak, a difficult seven-mile dayhike with serious elevation gain and loss to the grand-daddy of destinations in the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Contact: FSPW, (208) 255-2780 or e-mail nowhere_man97@hotmail.com.

June 23: Bear Mountain, Twin Peaks and Drift Mountain, a difficult hike for strong, seasoned and adventurous hikers to three seldom-visited peaks in the northern Scotchmans. Contact FSPW (208) 263-9894 or e-mail harbuck@norlight.org.

June 24: Little Spar Lake, a moderate hike up through wildflowers into the largest lake in the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Contact: FSPW 265-9565 or e-mail sdrumheller@wildidaho.org.

June 25: Spar Peak to Mount Vernon Peak, a very strenuous ridgeline traverse through mountain goat terrain. Contact: FSPW (406) 883-5019 or e-mail mwanw@wildmontana.org.

June 28: Webb Canyon, a moderately strenuous walk to a waterfall in the Scotchmans. Contact: FSPW (208) 266-1107 or e-mail konjoy@webtv.net.

July 1-4: Scotchman 2 and Savage Saddle, a strenuous two-night backpack to a remote basin dotted with tiny lakes and side trips to “bag” the peaks. Contact: FSPW (208) 255-2780 or e-mail nowhere_man97@hotmail.com.

July 8: Morris Creek, an easy dayhike in the Scotchmans through old-growth cedars and hemlocks. Contact: FSPW (208) 265-9565 or e-mail sdrumheller@wildidaho.org.

July 9: Goat Mountain-Scotchman Peak, a steep, strenuous hike on an unusual route to Scotchman Peak. Contact: FSPW (208) 265-5261 or e-mail jmellen@imbris.net.

July 16: Star Peak, a strenuous hike to a historic fire lookout with sweeping views of the Scotchmans and Cabinet Mountains. Contact: FSPW (406) 295-5258.

July 22-23: Sawtooth peaks, for experienced hikers, a strenuous bushwhacking overnighter to a remote peak in the Scotchmans. Contact FSPW (406) 847-2396 or scenic.route@sandycompton .com.

July 23: Delyle Ridge, an easy dayhike to breathtaking views of Scotchman Peak and Goat Mountain. Contact: FSPW (208) 265-9421 or e-mail lexie@nidaho.net.

July 29: Spar Peak to Mount Vernon Peak, a strenuous ridgeline traverse into mountain goat country with an overnight option. Contact: FSPW (406) 883-5019 or e-mail mwanw@wildmontana.org.

July 30: Ross Creek Cedars, an easy hike perfect for families into old-growth forest. Contact: FSPW (208) 265-9204 or e-mail irvorcarol@imbris.net.