Hiking
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is home to more than 3,000 miles of trails to explore!
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
- Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Cooks Peak Trail #236
Cooks Peak Trail #236 is a short hike to a great viewpoint. At the peak you will find the site of the old fire lookout and cabin.Trail #236 begins in a cut unit and the only remaining tall trees area…
Copper Creek Campground
Site Open
Copper Creek Campground features 16 camp units (3 accessible), potable water, accessible vault toilets, and a scenic location on the Moyie River. Beautiful Copper Falls viewpoint trail is 1.5 miles…
Deer Ridge Lookout
Deer Ridge Lookout is operated as a cabin rental, available to reserve through Recreation.gov. Perched on a 40 foot timber frame, Deer Ridge boasts excellent views of the Purcell mountain ranges of…
Fisher Peak Trail #27
This trail was created to access the old fire lookout located on Fisher Peak. The lookout has long since disappeared, however the beautiful views have not. The trail begins by ascending a series of…
Geisinger Campground
Geisinger Campground is located at the entrance to Upper Priest Lake. It has three sites at the confluence with The Throughfare, all furnished with fire ring, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage…
Gold Hill Trailhead #3
This trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Located close to town and not too steep, this trail is a nice hike for the entire family. Panoramic views of Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille and…
Harrison Lake Trailhead #217
One of the most popular trails on the Sandpoint Ranger District, this trail provides access to a beautiful mountain lake.There are views of the Pack River drainage and the Selkirk Crest along the…
Hobo Cedar Grove Picnic Area
The Hobo Cedar Grove Picnic Area features 6 picnic sites with fire rings, a vault toilet, and Pack it In Pack it Out policy for your refuse. Attractions include 240 acre old growth cedar grove,…
Italian Ridge (Shorty Peak Lookout) Trail #95
Trail #95 junctions with Road #282 at Shorty Pass. Here, there is a large, routed sign indicating the trailhead. Interestingly enough, the trail is actually an old fire lane around a clear-cut area…
Line Creek Stock Camp
Line Creek Stock Camp features 9 pull through units for stock trailers, feed bunks and hitchposts, trailhead parking, and vault toilets. There is no developed water. Attractions include fishing in…