Recreation Region: Lower Kootenai River Region

Red Top (Hidden Lake) Trail #102

Starting from Access #1, the trail switchbacks through an old burn area for the first 0.4 miles at about a 15% grade. It enters the woods at this point and sidehills as an almost level grade for another 0.5 miles. About the 1 mile mark the trail reaches Hidden Lake. Fishing here is good and there are several campsites around the lake.

From here, the trail becomes more rugged. The trail continues to a ridge above Hidden Lake and intersects with Trail #21 on the ridge. This portion of the trail is typically inaccessible until early July. At the intersection with Trail #21, take a left to continue Trail #102 to Red Top Mountain.

On Red Top Mountain are remnants of an old fire lookout and spectacular views of the Selkirk Mountains and Canada. From here, the trail begins a 4-mile descent to Road #281. It leaves the ridge and drops back into forested habitat with lots of huckleberry brush.

General Information

The Red Top (Hidden Lake) Trail #102 is approximately 8 miles long.

For more information see USGS Maps: Shorty Peak and Grass Mountain

July to November (weather permitting)

Getting There

Directions

Access #1:

Travel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office
Continue past US 95 and US 2 junction for 11.3 miles
Turn left onto Highway 1, continue for 2.1 miles
Turn left onto Copeland Road, continue for 3.4 miles to Westside Road
Follow Westside Road for 9 miles to a sweeping left-hand turn, continue Smith Creek Road #281
Turn right on Road #655
Turn left on #2545 and follow until it dead-ends at trailhead

Access #2:

Follow the above instructions, however, instead of taking road #655, stay on road #281, the alternate trailhead will be on the right about 0.5 miles past the #655 and #281 intersection.