Parker Ridge Trail #221

The trail begins in a sparsely timbered boulder field at the junction of Trail #7 and Trail #13. The views from here overlook Smith Peak and Long Canyon. The trail ascends for another 0.5-miles through a series of steep and rocky switch backs (25-36% grades) to near the ridge top. A final climb of 40% pitch brings the trail to a small, boulder strewn saddle with outstand views of Parker and Long Canyon drainages.

Leaving this saddle the trail follows Parker Ridge to the ¾ mile mark which is a junction with Trail #15 (page 31). This trail descends 500 feet in the first 0.5 mile to Long Mountain Lake in a set of step switchbacks. This small alpine lake is nestled on a rocky knob surrounded by stunted spruce and alpine fir. The area is located between the granite wall of Parker Ridge and the headwaters of Parker Creek drainage.

Trail #221 follows the ridge to the 4 ¾ mile marker where it begins a steady climb with grades between 22 and 40% to the Parker Peak spur trail junction. This spur trail ascends for 0.5 miles to the peak, from here spectacular views of the U.S.-Canadian Selkirk Mountain range and Kootenai River Valley can be seen. Passing this junction, Trail #221 drops from the ridge to the southeast, swinging under Parker Peak and providing some of the most rugged and dramatic terrain on the trail for the next 1 ½ miles.

At the 6.5-mile mark, this trail rejoins the ridge and begins a steady, four-mile descent (10-15% grade) toward the Kootenai Valley. The trail enters thick stands of lodgepole pine and Douglas Fir while the land is softer and less rugged compared to the upper ridge. When the trail reaches the 10.5-mile mark, specifically at the apex of a switchback, an old “5-Mile” sign (measured from the valley bottom) is tacked to a tree. Twenty feet from the end of this switchback is a small spring that provides the only water between Parker Lake and the Kootenai Valley. Finally, Trail #221 begins a series of switchbacks, at a constant 22% grade, which wind into forested draws then out to steep, open meadows until reaching its terminus at Trail #14.

Parker Ridge Trail #221 is one of the more spectacular ridge trails in the Selkirks and accesses Parker Peak and Long Mountain with spur trails to Parker Lake and Long Mountain Lake. The ridgetop is mostly open rock and grassy areas with incredibly beautiful views. There is good fishing at the lakes and some areas for more technical climbing. This is a good trail for horse and hiker travel. It would be a comfortable 2-day hike.