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
Myrtle Peak - Pack River Trail #6
The primary purpose for Myrtle Peak – Pack River Trail #6 is to provide access to Harrison Lake from the Bonners Ferry area. This trail is very enjoyable to hike. It transitions through several…
Myrtle Peak Trail #286
Myrtle Peak Trail #286 is a very scenic trail that passes through varied terrain to include heavy timber, open-side hills, rock knolls and ridge tops. This trail leads to Myrtle Lake which is one of…
Navigation Campground
Navigation Campground is located on the northwest shores of Upper Priest Lake, with majestic views of the Selkirk Crest. Four campsites are furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof…
Navigation Trailhead #291
This is an excellent trail. Developed campgrounds located at the north end of Upper Priest Lake (Navigation Campground) and the south end of Upper Priest Lake (Plowboy Campground). The trail passes…
Outlet at Priest Lake Campground
Outlet campground is located on the southwest shore of Priest Lake near the headwaters of Priest River. Campers come to Outlet for sunshine, fishing, boating, kayaking, and the breathtaking views of…
Parker Creek Trail #14
Parker Creek Trail #14 begins by initially following Parker Ridge Trail #221 for a ¼ mile from Westside Road #417. The first 1/3 of the trail winds through meadows and bushy areas. After this…
Parker Lake Trail #203
Site Open
The Parker Lake Trail #203 is a short spur trail used to reach parker Lake. This trail is a series of switchbacks that lead to the lake. The upper part of the trail is moderately steep and the last…
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…
Peewee Trailhead #178
Open to ATVs. Part of the Peewee/Steep Creek trail system. The trail system is a series of interconnected loops and each trail can be accessed from several different points. Some loops gain…
Plowboy Campground
Plowboy Campground is loacted on the southwest shores of Upper Priest Lake, with majestic views of the Selkirk Crest. Five campsites are furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof…