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Highpoint Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (2)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Northern Idaho and Panhandle
  4. …Sandpoint
  5. Selkirk Recreation District
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“This is part of phase 1 of the Watershed Crest Trail with stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille. ”

Jim Mellen
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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

Point to Point

6,098' 1,859 m

High

4,791' 1,460 m

Low

1,307' 398 m

Up

36' 11 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

None unless mud is an issue during spring breakup or the snow is too deep.

Description

This trail starts from a gravel road just above Sidewinder and makes its way through beautiful alpine forests and breaks out onto stunning beargrass and huckleberry meadows. The pitch is nice and steady but unrelenting. Benches have been placed at some of the viewpoints in case you need a break. The tread is smooth, which makes travel along the way relaxed and pleasant. The views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River are absolutely gorgeous!

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers in spring/summer, deer, elk moose and bears inhabit this area.

Contacts

Land Manager: Selkirk Recreation District

Shared By:

Jim Mellen with improvements by Joan Pendleton
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#3

in Selkirk Recreation District

#9162

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#3

in Selkirk Recreation Dis…

#414

in Idaho

#9,162

Overall
4 Views Last Month
913 Since Oct 31, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

The top of Sidewinder
Nov 6, 2015 near Ponderay, ID
Lake Pend Oreille is seen in the distance to the southeast from the high meadows of Watershed Crest Trail.
Jul 1, 2023 near Ponderay, ID
Nearby conifer forested hills seen from Watershed Crest Trail.
Jul 1, 2023 near Ponderay, ID
The views open up as Watershed Crest Trail climbs into meadows. Here we see Lake Pend Oreille in the distance to the southeast.
Jul 1, 2023 near Ponderay, ID
A short, pretty trail through the pines and grass leads to a great viewpoint.
Jul 1, 2023 near Ponderay, ID
Beargrass in the beautiful sunlit woods in mid June.
Jul 1, 2023 near Ponderay, ID

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jun 16, 2023
Joan Pendleton

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