Scotchman Peak

Scotchman Peak ranks No. 76 among the Lower 48 Top 100 prominence peaks in the Prominence Registry, rising 7,018 feet in the Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho, with 4,665 feet of clean prominence. It is the highest point in Bonner County above the Clark Fork River valley. Most hikers use Scotchman Peak Trail #65 for 8.0 miles round-trip with 3,700 feet of gain on Class 1 terrain. No permit or fee is required.

LiDAR-based measurements place the summit at 7,018 feet, although many hiking references continue to list the traditional elevation of 7,009 feet. Located roughly 5 miles northeast of Clark Fork and 25 miles east of Sandpoint, the peak offers views across Idaho, Montana, and into Canada on clear days.

The peak gets its name from its supposed resemblance to a Scotsman with a ruffled shirt and tam-o'-shanter, though the likeness requires substantial imagination. A fire lookout tower operated on Scotchman Peak from the early 1920s until approximately the 1950s. Today, the mountain is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and sits within the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area. Mountain goats are commonly seen on the upper slopes and summit.

Scotchman Peak Trail #65

Scotchman Peak Trail #65 is the standard hiking route to the summit. The trail climbs roughly 3,700 feet over approximately 4 miles of continuous switchbacks on the south-facing slope, ascending from approximately 3,307 feet at the trailhead to the summit. The round-trip distance is approximately 8.0 miles.

The trail climbs through a mixture of forest, brushy slopes, and increasingly open terrain before reaching the upper meadow and rocky summit ridge. Views expand across Lake Pend Oreille to the south and surrounding Cabinet peaks as elevation increases. Rob Lopez in "Idaho: A Climbing Guide" describes Scotchman Peak as "the hardest Class 1 peak in Idaho," referring to its relentless elevation gain rather than any technical climbing. The route is maintained with help from volunteer crews from the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and the Idaho Trails Association. There are no reliable water sources along the trail. Carry substantial drinking water for both the ascent and descent, which is particularly important during summer months on the exposed upper mountain.

From Sandpoint, take Highway 200 east to Clark Fork. Turn north at the Chevron Station onto Main Street. Follow this road past Clark Fork High School and around a bend to the right. At the intersection with Lightning Creek Road, set your trip odometer to zero (do not turn here; keep going straight on Mosquito Creek Road). At 0.6 miles, keep left at the fork. At 2.1 miles, turn right on Forest Road 2295. Continue approximately 1 mile, watching for signs for Trail 65. Turn left on Forest Road 2294, then turn left again on Forest Road 2294A. Follow Road 2294A approximately 1 mile to where the road ends at the trailhead parking area. The gravel access roads may be manageable in a passenger vehicle when dry and recently maintained, but ruts, mud, washouts, and seasonal damage can make additional clearance advisable. Verify current road conditions with the Sandpoint Ranger District or Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness before visiting.

Key Landmarks

• Scotchman Peak Trail #65 trailhead (~3,307 ft) — end of Forest Road 2294A; limited parking
• Upper meadow — open terrain below the summit ridge; lightning exposure in afternoon storms
• Rocky summit ridge / summit (7,018 ft) — mountain goat habitat; former fire lookout site

Mountain goat sightings are extremely common on the upper trail and summit area. The goat population has become habituated to human presence and can display aggressive behavior. Maintain a minimum 100-foot distance from all goats. If a goat approaches, move away without allowing the goat access to food or gear. If it continues approaching, make yourself conspicuous, wave your arms, and use a loud voice to discourage it. Do not feed goats, allow them to lick salt from skin or gear, or approach for photographs. The Forest Service temporarily closed the trail in September 2015 after repeated problems involving habituated, aggressively approaching goats. Do not leave urine near the summit or trail, because goats are attracted to its salt. Grizzly bear habitat applies to this area; store food and attractants according to current Forest Service orders. Lightning exposure is significant in the upper meadow during afternoon thunderstorms. There are no reliable water sources on the trail; carry substantial water for the full round-trip.