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Watershed Crest Trail: Phase 1

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.0 (3)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Northern Idaho and Panhandle
  4. …Sandpoint
  5. Selkirk Recreation District
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“This is phase 1 of the Watershed Crest Trail with stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille ”

Jim Mellen
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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

Point to Point

6,096' 1,858 m

High

4,200' 1,280 m

Low

1,896' 578 m

Up

34' 10 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

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

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

Overview

This trail follows the east ridge to just south of the summit of Schweitzer Mountain resort. The upper portions open out into beargrass and huckleberry meadows with killer views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River.

Description

This trail starts at the roundabout on Schweitzer Mountain Road. It makes its way through beautiful alpine forests and breaks out onto stunning beargrass and huckleberry meadows. Though often steep, the trail 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

  4.0 from 3 votes

#2

in Selkirk Recreation District

#3979

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Selkirk Recreation Dis…

#54

in Idaho

#3,979

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,653 Since Nov 6, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
33%
0%
67%
0%
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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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jun 16, 2023
Joan Pendleton
Jul 1, 2018
Kimberly Spencer
I was really looking forward to this hike! The driving directions took us to Viewski Loop though, and we never did find Watershed Crest

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