Base of Scotchman Traditional Cache
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Start your Scotchman Peak hike here!
Scotchman Peaks is a beautiful area that too few people explore. This area is hopefully America's next National Wilderness area. It consists of 88,000 acres in North Idaho and Western Montana. It's a gorgeous hike. The trail has been re-routed for the 1st mile which adds only a small distance but oh does it add to the comfort of your knees! It's waaaaay less steep with many switchbacks (as opposed to one)
Please be aware, if you hike to the top of Scotchman you most likely will see mountain goats. DO NOT approach or feed them!! Please!! They are wild animals & their horns are sharp! There have been injuries. The goats want your salt - from your sweat, urine or granola bars. Sadly, hikers over the years have been feeding them & they have become very bold. They should remain at least 75 feet from you. If they come closer please throw rocks at them! (Yes, I am a mountain goat education coordinator for a program through the Forest Service & this is okay!) We are not trying to injure or hurt the goat but we want them to have a healthy respect for humans.
If you bring your geo-dog that is great! Goats are very leery of dogs. Please do not allow your dog to chase them, though. Goats are very agile on the steep cliffs.....dogs not so much! A leash once you break out of the trees is advised. But DO bring your dogs!
The 360 degree views from the top make the burning quads worth the effort.There are remnants of an old fire tower at the top.....which is amazing once one hikes it! There is a cache near the top but I thought putting a couple at the start might encourage more people to venture up here. There is a "Y" with a small brown "Trail 65" sign - take note & bear left.
From the middle of June into October there is a porta-potty at the trailhead. There typically is snow on the upper 1/4 of the trail well into June.
For more information regarding the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, visit www.scotchmanpeaks.org
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Whfg yrsg & oruvaq genvyurnq fvta.