Lightning Ridge Trail (Lowman)
The Lightning Ridge Trail description covers the portion of Lightning Ridge Trail on the Lowman Ranger District. Some of the trail is also within the Emmett Ranger District.
The trail begins by traversing a ridge and crossing Daisy Creek.
It then begins a one-mile climb leveling out while it follows a gentle valley.
At a large open marshy area, the trail begins a very steep climb to Lightning Ridge, which geographically marks the boundary between the Lowman and Emmett Ranger Districts.
Views from the ridge are spectacular - you can see Scott Mountain, Garden Valley, Crouch, and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Motorized use is not allowed on the Emmett Ranger District portion of the trail at any time. Motorized use is not allowed on the Lowman Ranger District portion of the trail from October 1 to June 30.
Portions of this trail were burned in the 2006 Rattlesnake Fire.
At a Glance
Rentals & Guides: | Click here to download map. |
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Usage: | Light |
Restrictions: | This trail is closed to motorcycle use from October 1 - June 30. |
Closest Towns: | Lowman, Idaho |
Water: | None |
General Information
Directions:ACCESS #1 – From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north 35 miles to Banks, Idaho.
Turn east onto the (Banks-Lowman Road) State Highway 17 and continue approximately 23 miles to the intersection of Forest Service (FS) Road 555 (also called Scott Mountain Road).
Travel along FS Road 555 approximately 22 miles to the intersection with FS Road 572. Go right and proceed about one mile. The Lightning Trail begins at the registration box and follows along Trail Creek. Sections of FS Road 555 are narrow, steep, and rocky. Vehicles with trailers are not recommended.
ACCESS #2 – From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north 35 miles to Banks, Idaho.
From Banks, turn east onto the (Banks-Lowman Road) State Highway 17 and continue to Crouch, Idaho. Pass through Crouch on the paved road, which becomes the FS Road 698.
Continue north on FS Road 698 for about 5 miles to the intersection of FS Road 611 (Lightning Creek Road). Go southeast on FS Road 611 for about 5 miles, where an earthen barrier blocks the road. The unsigned but blazed trailhead is located on the east side of the FS Road 611. Sections of FS Road 611 are narrow, steep, and rocky, so recreationists should take caution.
Activities
Day Hiking
5 miles long; The trail begins by traversing a ridge and crossing Daisy Creek. It then begins a one-mile climb leveling out while it follows a gentle valley. At a large open marshy area, the trail begins a very steep climb to Lightning Ridge, which geographically marks the boundary between the Lowman and Emmett Ranger Districts. Views from the ridge are spectacular - you can see Scott Mountain, Garden Valley, Crouch, and the surrounding mountains and valleys.Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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Horse Riding
5 miles long; The trail begins by traversing a ridge and crossing Daisy Creek. It then begins a one-mile climb leveling out while it follows a gentle valley. At a large open marshy area, the trail begins a very steep climb to Lightning Ridge, which geographically marks the boundary between the Lowman and Emmett Ranger Districts. Views from the ridge are spectacular - you can see Scott Mountain, Garden Valley, Crouch, and the surrounding mountains and valleys.Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
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