Information
Landmark: Scotchman PeakCity: Coeur dAlene
Country: USA Idaho
Continent: North America
Scotchman Peak, Coeur dAlene, USA Idaho, North America
Overview
Scotchman Peak towers over the Cabinet Mountains, rising near Clark Fork, Idaho, right where northern Idaho meets the rugged edge of western Montana.Towering at about 7,073 feet (2,156 meters), the peak stands out on the horizon and draws hikers, climbers, and nature lovers eager for sweeping views of pine-covered slopes, glittering lakes, and distant ridgelines.Scotchman Peak rises inside the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, a rugged slice of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest where pine needles crunch underfoot.Tall pines crowd the slopes, rugged ridges cut the horizon, and bright alpine meadows spill color across the land.The summit is a bare crown of rock, wide open to the wind, with sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork Valley, the Selkirk and Bitterroot ranges, and the rolling landscapes of northern Montana.The path to the peak winds through shady forest trails, opens into bright subalpine meadows, and crosses the soft murmur of a stream, offering a rich mix of ecosystems and views.The seasons put on a show-late spring and early summer bring bursts of wildflowers, autumn glows with fiery leaves, and winter lays a thick coat of snow over the trail, turning the hike into both a tougher climb and a breathtaking sight.The Scotchman Peak Trail, starting at its trailhead just outside Clark Fork, is the go-to path for reaching the summit, with pine-scented air greeting hikers right from the first steps.The trail stretches about five miles each way and climbs roughly 3,000 feet, so expect a steady workout and the burn in your legs by the halfway point.Hikers follow clear trails that twist through shadowed forest, past jagged rock ledges, and across wide, breezy ridges, ending at a bare summit where the view sweeps in every direction.The trail winds through shady groves of fir, cedar, and hemlock, their cool, damp air sheltering birds and other wildlife.Alpine meadows stretch wide, dotted with bright wildflowers and soft swaying grass, offering a welcome break and spots where the view opens to the horizon.At Summit Ridge, jagged rock outcrops crown the peak, opening onto clear views of the mountains, valleys, and the glint of distant lakes.Around Scotchman Peak, the forest hums with life-black bears roam the slopes, deer step softly through the understory, and mountain goats cling to the rocky ledges, while squirrels and marmots dart between sunlit patches of grass.You’ll spot eagles, hawks, and songbirds, especially where the ridges rise above wide, wind‑brushed meadows.Flora here thrives in tough, high places-coniferous forests stand tall, alpine flowers brighten rocky slopes, and mosses with lichens cling to damp stones as the ground climbs and falls.By protecting the area as wilderness, we keep its habitat intact and limit construction, so visitors can wander through quiet forests and see ecosystems much as they’ve been for centuries.Hiking up to Scotchman Peak pushes your body and rewards you with sweeping views-jagged ridges, crisp air, and endless sky.As they climb, hikers wander through hushed forest trails, pause beside cool, clear streams, and step into meadows bright with wildflowers swaying in the breeze.When you reach the summit, the view stretches across northern Idaho into western Montana, with Lake Pend Oreille’s deep blue shimmering below and the jagged peaks of the Cabinet Mountains rising in the distance.The trail mixes tough climbs with quiet stretches and sweeping views, drawing in serious hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.Spotting a fox in the grass or feeling the crisp shift of autumn air sharpens the senses, turning every visit into something different.Scotchman Peak rises as both a beloved hiking spot and a proud symbol of northern Idaho, its summit offering sweeping views of rugged forest and sky.Rising high in the Cabinet Mountains, it draws hikers, wildlife watchers, and locals who see it as part of their own heritage.Easy access to the peak, its wild, untouched slopes, and sweeping views make it a standout destination, showing northern Idaho’s dedication to protecting its wilderness while offering hikers and nature lovers a climb that’s both demanding and deeply satisfying.
