Mount Roothaan Vista
The views from the summit of Mount Roothaan are mind-boggling. You can see virtually the entire length of Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, Hunt Lake, and an uncountable horde of rocky summits stretching from Washington to Montana and north into British Columbia. Perhaps the most stunning feature viewed along the hike is Chimney Rock, which stands just a few tenths of a mile away. This 250-foot tall column of sheer rock is a popular rock climbing destination in the area, and embodies the character of the Selkirk Crest.
The road leading up to the trailhead for the hike to Mount Roothaan is relatively smooth going for the first 9 or so miles, but the last mile is extremely steep and rough. A high-clearance four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. The hike up to the summit, which begins at the former site of the Horton Ridge Lookout (N 48° 36.474', W 116° 44.144'), follows a gentle grade for the first mile as it follows the ridge up through light alpine forest. It then turns steeply uphill for the next quarter-mile or so before reaching the saddle between the two peaks of Mount Roothaan. The last quarter-mile of the climb is a scramble up the talus field that makes up the peak of the mountain. Be sure to wear good, supportive shoes or boots capable of gripping the granite, and watch out for slick or loose rocks.
The cache is hidden near the summit of the mountain. The container is a drab olive ammo box stenciled with "geocache" in yellow on multiple sides.
The cache is hidden above the 7300 foot level. As a result, it is under snow and inaccessible for most of the year. It is best to visit this stash in the months of July, August, or September. For more info on Mount Roothaan, see this web site.