Kootenai Creek Trail #53

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike begins at the Kootenai Creek Trailhead just northwest of Stevensville. The hike begins closely following the course of Kootenai Creek to the south of the trail with deep-cut canyon views and the beautiful sound of a pristine waterway.

At about the 3.5 mile mark the trail crosses into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and weaves slightly northward and away from the creek. You'll traverse through variable terrain ranging from course rocky trail and narrow sections of rock screes to flat riparian earth. Be prepared for several creek crossings.

The trail ends at North Kootenai Lake where you can camp if you so choose (there are several campsites along the trail, as well). This trail joins with #302 which can be taken to reach South Kootenai Lake. A beautiful experience whether you continue all the way to the lakes at the back of the trail or simply stop for lunch a quarter mile in!

Plenty of wildflowers in the spring and summer, marmots, ground squirrels, chipmunks, a variety of birds. This is black bear and mountain lion country!