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West Mountain Trail - (Emmett)
West Mountain Trail - The trail begins in a valley, crosses several creeks, and passes through meadows and forests as it gradually ascends West Mountain Ridge.
The trail passes Snowbank Mountain, Jacob's Ladder, Hangman's Tree and Tripod Lookout, providing panoramic views of Round Valley, Long Valley, Smith's Ferry and Cascade.
The trail soon crosses Poison Creek and passes through several bogs.
Within 2.5 miles, the trail crosses Squaw Creek for the first time, and then climbs steeply through a meadow.
As it reaches a tributary of Squaw Creek, it changes direction abruptly from southeast to east.
Recreationists should watch for a large arrow cut in a tree on the west side of the trail.
The trail is bordered by rock cairns and passes through a meadow, ascends a small hill, and passes the signed intersection of the Wilson Corrals Trail.
The trail soon reaches the northern end of Wilson Meadows, which is marshy in early spring.
At the southern edge of Wilson Meadows, the West Mountain Trail is intersected by two other trails. The trail gradually gains elevation as it travels south toward Jacob's Ladder.
Within a mile and southeast of Jacob's Ladder, the trail passes Hangman's Tree, which is signed in a prominent saddle north of Tripod Lookout.
Within a half mile, the trail passes the signed Renwyck trailhead and shortly intersects a short, steep trail to Tripod Lookout.
As it gradually descends, the trail splits with the West Mountain trail forking east and the unsigned Joe's Creek Trail forking south.
An unblazed section of the trail overlaps an unsigned, well-traveled road for a quarter mile, enters the forest again, and within a mile intersects an old, narrow roadbed.
The trail continues southwest and the old roadbed forks east.
About a mile from Forest Service (FS) Road 644, the trail parallels a narrow stream, and then ascends steeply to a registration box and trailhead sign where West Mountain Trail ends.
At a Glance
| Rentals & Guides: | Click here to download a "Print to Go" guide for West Mountain Trail. |
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| Usage: | Light |
| Closest Towns: | Emmett, Idaho |
| Water: | None |
General Information
Directions:LOCATION- There are two access points for this trail. The section of trail between Wilson Meadows and Tripod Lookout will be difficult to find because the main trail is bisected by cow paths. The trail south of Wilson Meadows is grazed by cattle in the summer and fall.
ACCESS #1- From Smith’s Ferry on State Highway 55, just past Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, travel west on Forest Service (FS) Road 644 for 2.5 miles to the intersection of FS Road 626. Go northwest on FS Road 626 for about 20 miles to Sagehen Reservoir where the gravel road changes to pavement and continue on the paved road to the intersection with FS Road 609. Travel 2 miles north on FS Road 609. At FS Road 653, go north for about 12 miles to the intersection of FS Road 625. Go west on FS Road 625 for approximately 8 miles to the signed intersection of FS Road 625G, which is on the north side of the road about 1/8 of a mile west of where 625 crosses Squaw Creek. Squaw Creek is identified with a sign. While paralleling Squaw Creek, the unblazed trail overlaps 625G through a logged forest. Within a mile, the road gradually diminishes and the trail enters an unlogged forest.
ACCESS #2- From Smith’s Ferry on State Highway 55, just past Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, travel west on FS Road 644 for 2.5 miles to the intersection of FS Road 626. Travel northwest on FS Road 626 about 5 miles to a trail sign on the north side of 626. Go northwest at the trail directional sign about 500 feet to a trailhead sign and registration box on the north side of the unsigned road.
Activities
Mountain Biking
West Mtn. Trail Loop - Advanced mountain bikers will revel in this slightly over 7 mile trail that affords great views of Sage Hen Reservoir at certain spots.
The loop starts at the West Mountain Trailhead off Forest Service (FS) Road 626.
Begin the climb up the West Mountain Trail(#131) and travel 5.3 miles to the junction of Joe’s Creek Trail (#137) where the route descends down the mountain for 1.75 miles to the Joe’s Creek Trailhead on the west side of the Emmett Ranger District.
From Smiths Ferry on State Highway 55, take 626 west to begin the ride. These are single-track motorized use trails. It is recommended to have vehicles parked at both the West Mountain and Joe’s Creek Trailheads.
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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Day Hiking
Your day hike begins in a valley, crosses several creeks, and passes through meadows and forests as it gradually ascends West Mountain Ridge.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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Horse Riding
Plenty of opportunities to ride your horse in this area. Contact the District for more information.
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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OHV Trail Riding
Remember to bring your Emmett Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to know what trails are open to OHV riding.
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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