North Idaho + NW MT

Cabinet Divide Loop

Cabinet Divide Advanced Loop, Flower Creek/Sky Lakes/Parmenter Tie Trailhead or Parmenter Creek Trailhead
- 28 miles, 8,000 ft climbing
- Kootenai Nat'l Forest, Cabinet Mtns Wilderness, Libby Ranger District, 406-293-7773
- Flower Creek Trail #137, Hanging Valley Trail #135, off trail, Sky Lakes Trail, Flower Creek Trail, Dome Mountain Trail #360N, North Fork Parmenter Trail #139, Parmenter Creek Trail #140, Parmenter Tie Trail #15

"This loop in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in far Northwestern Montana uses surprisingly clear trails (usually) that are diligently maintained mostly by locals. In July '20, there were some blowdowns on the Parmenter Creek Trail, but nothing that was difficult to go around. The off trail pass between the Sky Lakes and Hanging Valley is a steep class 3 scramble on the west/Sky Lakes side, and the trail between the Hanging Valley and Flower Creek is steep and somewhat primitive but easy to follow. The Cedar Lake/Cabinet Divide section of this loop is ridiculously beautiful, but the Divide can hold challenging snow banks through July. Bringing traction devices is a good idea. The Parmenter Tie trail is lovely, open, and serene old growth forest."

CC Divide Trail

- 56 miles, 9,000ft climbing
- 4846-6732 ft asl
- Lolo Nat’l Forest, between C'oeur D'Alene, Idaho and Missoula, Montana
- Superior Ranger District, 406-822-4233, talk to Caitlin if available
“With its western terminus near Wallace, Idaho, and the eastern end outside of Plains, Montana, this route is most easily run/hiked from west to east. This gives you a net downhill of 1500 feet. A scenic, primitive, mostly ridgeline track with plenty of dense forest mixed in to keep it interesting. Mostly narrow single-track but logged out completely in 2018, there are only a few dirt road stretches. West end provides views of many sub-alpine lake basins. This would be a beautiful run or hike later in the season for larch viewing and since it is not as high in elevation as some of the other routes. However, keep in mind that this trail is open to motorbike use. I don't think it gets much traffic, but it probably does pick up when hunting seasons start in September. I would recommend this route from mid-June through August. This trail does skirt the edge of grizzly bear country, so if that is a concern for you please carry bear spray, have it readily available, and know how to use it. This area is also home to the Canadian Lynx, one of the rarest mammals in these mountains, so keep an eye out and you may get lucky. Water can be scarce.”
MTB Project

Four Lakes Loop

- 14 miles, 4,500 ft climbing
- Kaniksu & Kootenai Nat'l Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District, 208-263-5111
- Moose Creek FS Road #1022, Moose Lake Trail #237, Blacktail Lake Trail #24, Deer Creek Trail #213, Lake Estelle Trail #36, off trail, Gem Lake Trail #554
- Trailhead is suitable for passenger cars

"This route links up 4 lakes in North Idaho by using a short dirt road section and one off trail pass. It is the shortest route in the challenge, but don't underestimate the climb up Moose Mountain and the pass between Gem and Estelle Lakes. On a clear day, the views are magnificent. Overall, trails are in great shape, and are maintained by the local running group (Thanks Trail Maniacs!). Bonus points if you jump in all 4 lakes. If you have time and a vehicle that can make it, drive up to Lunch Peak Lookout for the view as well."

Long Canyon Loop

- 37 miles, ~9,000 ft climbing
- Kaniksu Nat'l Forest, Bonners Ferry Ranger District, 208-267-5561
- Westside Road, Parker Ridge Trail #221, Parker Peak, Parker Ridge Trail, Pyramid Trail #7, Long Canyon Trail #16
- Trailhead is off of a paved road

"This route is almost in Canada. Past CDA, past Sandpoint, and past Bonner's Ferry, but well worth the trip. You will be on Westside Road for a few miles (with hardly any traffic ever), but other than that, this route is completely singletrack. The section climbing up from the road and across Parker Ridge is also the Pacific Northwest Trail: a 1,200 mile path running from Glacier Nat'l Park to Olympic NP. The Parker Ridge section offers views out over the Kootenai River valley, wild blueberries, fire lookout ruins on Parker Peak, and views into Canada and out across many distinct Selkirk peaks. The Long Canyon section has old growth forest, a few water crossings where you might have to get wet, and smooth, rolly singletrack. Be sure to stop at the boat launch on the east side of the Kootenai River Bridge on the way there or back for a nice swim."