Guided hikes
We offer free group hikes in the Scotchmans all winter and summer long! We have hikes for all abilities – from easy family hikes to off-trail bushwhack adventures. All hikes are led by volunteers.
Trail Projects
Each summer, we restore trails in the Scotchmans so that people can continue to explore our wild backyard. We use crosscut saws, Pulaski’s, shovels, and teamwork to care for the trail. Join us for a trail project day to give back to the trails you love.
Events
We host events all year long throughout Idaho and Montana to build community around a love for the outdoors. Family fun in the summer, film festivals in the winter, and wild trivia are just a few of the events you can look forward to.
event: Clark Fork Highway Cleanup
Join Friends of Scotchman Peaks for our bi-annual Adopt A Highway cleanup in Clark Fork, ID. We will meet at 10:00 am PST at Annie’s Orchard in Clark Fork. All supplies, drinks, and snacks will be provided. From Annie’s Orchard, we’ll work our 2 mile section heading west and will beautify this piece of highway in no time.
event: Trail Project: Scotchman Peak Trail #65 (FULL- WAITLIST ONLY)
FULL-WAITLIST ONLY Join us on Thursday, May 8th for our first trip up Scotchman Peak! This day will focus primarily on tree removal in the first few miles of trail. After the “atmospheric river” and intense wind storm had last December, there’s a lot of work to be done! Sign ups will be limited to 10 people so join while …
event: Summer Gear Swap
FSWP is Collaborating with the Idaho Trail Association in hosting a Gear Swap! Come donate all of your unwanted summer gear and shop for replacements on May 9th, 2026. All proceeds will go towards the FSPW and ITA Trail programs right here, in North Idaho. 📍Coeur D’ Alene City Park ⏰ 12:00pm-4:00pm (Pacific Time) 🌄 Email trails@scotchmanpeaks.org to find gear …
event: Tree Well Acres Toss – Disc Golf Tournament
Join us for a fun day of disc golf at J. Neils Memorial Park while supporting Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness! This is a bring-your-own-partner doubles tournament featuring two rounds at Tree Well Acres (Old J. Neils). We’ll be adding a few extra challenges throughout the course to add some fun to a layout the locals know and love. Whether …
hike: Springtime Wildflower Walk
Join FSPW for a guided wildflower hike along the Historic Highway 2 West Trail exploring the seasonal blooms of Northwest Montana. Learn to identify native plants, enjoy scenic views, and experience the beauty of local ecosystems in full color. This is an easy to moderate hike with plenty of stops for interpretation, photography, and appreciation of the landscape.
event: Intro to Trail Work at Pine Street Woods
Join FSPW for an engaging Introduction to Trail Work session, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of maintaining and building sustainable trails. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on workshop will cover essential tools, techniques, and best practices to help preserve our natural landscapes. You’ll gain valuable knowledge on soil erosion control, proper trail design, and …
event: Child Safety Event
Child Safety Event with car seat inspections performed by licensed technicians – Please pre-register – Scan QR code or click link: https://signup.com/…/invit…/secure/831571750092/false… Drop-Ins Welcome Bike Rodeo with FREE Bicycle and Helmet inspections performed by professionals. Bring your Child to Learn Safety’s ABCs – Always Be Care & Meet Smokey the Bear, too! Games – Fun – Prizes Visit Safety Booths with information …
hike: Swamp Creek Fire History Walk
Join us for an informative walk exploring the fire history and forest ecology of the Swamp Creek area. Local expert Doug Farrell will share insights into how wildfire, forest management, and natural processes have shaped this landscape over time. Bring snacks, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water. Come ready to learn, explore, and enjoy a great day in the woods!
hike: Big Spar Lake Hike
Let’s take a walk around Spar Lake to celebrate the beginning of the summer season! We will begin at the trailhead overlooking the lake and follow the water’s edge around the northeast side of the lake. Towards the back of the lake we will hike through a large grove of old growth cedar and hemlock trees. We will sit in …
event: Hike-a-Day May!
Starting May 1st, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is launching Hike-a-Day-May, a brand new month-long challenge! Join in on the fun as we get our hiking legs underneath us and prepare for a summer packed with stewardship work and community. Why Hike-a-Day-May? May is Mental Health Awareness Month and getting outside in nature is proven to benefit your mental health. …
event: National Trails Day Pint Night!
Come Celebrate National Trails Day and the end of Hike-a-Day-May with us at Utara Brewing Co! We will have all of the information about our upcoming Summer trail season hike, work parties, and educational opportunities Enjoy raffles, beer specials, and good company! 🕓 June 3, 2026, 4:00 pm- 7:00 Pm (PDT) 📍 Utara Brewing Co 🎫 Pint night to celebrate …
hike: Birding Up Dry Creek Montana
Join us for a casual walk through the woods, taking time to view and identify the smaller things in life: the BIRDS! Resident bird expert Rich Del Carlo will join and help new and experienced birders alike. Bring binoculars if you have them. (We will bring a few extra pairs.) Wear protective clothing if bugs bother you. Bring lunch, snacks, …
event: National Trails Day Trail Project: Star Peak Trail #999
Come join FSPW in celebrating National Trails Day! We will be performing trail maintenance on the final miles of the trail, all the way to the summit! Prepare for a long day on the trail, full of hard work, laughter, and rewarding views. We will be celebrating National Trail Day with a well earned BBQ at the Big Eddy campground …
event: State of the Scotchmans 2026
Join Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness for our annual State of the Scotchmans celebration! Set against the stunning backdrop of Blue C Ranch, this free, family-friendly gathering is our way of saying thank you, while keeping you in the loop on our continued work to protect the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Come enjoy live music from local favorite John Firshi, …
event: Trail Project: Scotchman Peak Trail #65
Come join us as we work on the tread damage on Scotchman Peak! This will be a longer day on the mountain. We will be performing trail maintenance on some very damaged tread in the middle miles of Scotchman Peak Trail #65. Prepare for a long day on the trail, full of hard work, laughter, and rewarding views. Sign up …
hike: Hiking with Kids to Antelope Lake
Friends of Scotchman Peaks, Kaniksu Land Trust, and Mountain Mamas are excited to host a fabulous Hiking with Kids presentation and trek to Antelope Lake. You won’t want to miss these stories and insights on hiking with kids in the mountains! Bring a lunch, water, swim wear if you’d like, and a carry pack if you have babies or toddlers. …
event: Trail Project: Hamilton Gulch Trail #1019
Come join us on June 1st at Hamilton gulch! This long neglected trail needs our love! We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing. Prepare for lots of hard work, laughter, and a rewarding time on the trail! End of day snacks will be provided. 📍 Hamilton Gulch Trail #1019 via the Dry gulch access trail head off …
event: Trail Project: Scotchman Peak Trail #65 with ITA
Come join us as we partner with ITA to clear the remaining Milage to the top of Scotchman Peak! This will be a longer day on the mountain. We will be performing trail maintenance on the final miles of the trail, all the way to the summit! Prepare for a long day on the trail, full of hard work, laughter, …
hike: Little Spar Lake Overnight Backpack
Head into Little Spar Lake to enjoy an afternoon exploring the lake and enjoying the scenery before recharging your spirit and hiking shoes overnight in camp. We will hike up to the lake in the morning before the heat sets in. The trail is about 4 miles long with an elevation gain around 1900 feet. You gain and lose this …
event: Trail Project: Multi-Night on Goat Mountain Trail #135
Goat Mountain had been a long time neglected trail. We are partnering with the Spokane Mountaineers for a multi-day project, camped out on top of the summit. This work entails a copious amount of tree removal and tread repair. Please reach out to Savannah by email (savannah@scotchmanpeaks.org) for more information before signing up. Spots are limited and we ask that …
hike: Star Peak Viewpoint Hike
Join Friends of Scotchman Peaks for a summer hike up the Star Peak Trail. We will hike approximately 2 miles to a beautiful overlook of the Clark Fork Valley. It’s a big climb, but lots of switchbacks keep the grade mellow and provide big, sweeping views. Event will run from 9am-3pm Montana time (8-2pm Idaho time)
event: Trail Project: Spar Peak Trail #324
Come join us on July 25th at Spar Peak! Thai trail needs our love! We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing. Prepare for lots of hard work, laughter, and a rewarding time on the trail! End of day snacks will be provided. 📍 Spar Peak Trail #324 ⏰ Saturday July 25th , 2026 8:30 am-4pm (Pacific Time) …
event: Trail Project: Gulch Trail
Come join us on July 31st on one of the Gulch Trails! These long neglected trails needs our love and plan to spend time at whichever one needs our attention the most! We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing. Prepare for lots of hard work, laughter, and a rewarding time on the trail! 📍 Gulch Trail #(TBD) …
hike: Horseshoe Lake Hike
Join us for an adventurous day in the backcountry! We’ll hike the trail to Little Spar Lake before heading off-trail, bushwhacking up to a scenic pass and dropping into the beautiful basin of Horseshoe Lake. Expect a mix of trail hiking and rugged terrain. Bring shoes for a creek crossing and don’t forget a swimsuit if you’re up for a …
event: Women’s Day Trail Project: Dry Creek Trail #1021
Come join us on August 8th at Dry Creek for our Women’s Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to dip your toe into the trail clearing world. While this trail is slightly difficult because of the maintenance needed, come learn the ropes from highly educated and trail trained women and have fun in a low pressure environment! We will be …
event: Family Campout at Fishtrap Lake
Sanders County 4-H, Friends of Scotchman Peaks and Kaniksu Land Trust are teaming up to host a family campout at Fishtrap Lake and Backpack to Terrace Lake! A family campout is a perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy quality time with loved ones in the great outdoors. Imagine roasting marshmallows over a crackling …
event: Trail Project: Gulch Trail
Come join us on August 15th on one of the Gulch Trails! These long neglected trails need our love and plan to spend time at whichever one needs our attention the most! We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing. Prepare for lots of hard work, laughter, and a rewarding time on the trail! 📍 Gulch Trail #(TBD) …
event: Trail Project: Gulch Trail Overnight
Come join us on August 29th and 30th for a backpacking overnight on one of the Gulch Trails! These long neglected trails need our love and we plan to spend time at whichever one needs our attention the most. As the day gets closer we will pick the exact trail to work on. We will be performing tree removal, tread …
event: Trail Project: Blacktail Creek Trail #997
Come join us on Saturday, September 5th at our beloved Blacktail Creek Trail. We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing in order to get this trail in tip-top shape for hunting and fall hiking season. Prepare for lots of hard work, laughter, and a rewarding time on the trail! 📍 Blacktail Creek Trail #997 ⏰ Saturday September …
hike: Spar Peak Fall Hike
Labor up Spar Peak on this Labor Day! Come along as we get a sneak peak at fall colors while enjoying the end of summer. Often still thick with huckleberries, this 3,000 feet elevation gain hike has a lot of “up” with amazing views as your reward. About 8 miles round trip we will ascend from the creek floor through …
event: Trail Project: Little Spar Lake Trail #143 (Women’s Overnight Project)
Come join us on September 9th and 10th for a backpacking overnight to Little Spar Lake! We will perform two work days and spend the night at beautiful Little Spar Lake. This trip is only open to women and will have 8 sign up spots total. We will be performing tree removal, tread repair and brushing. Prepare for lots of …
hike: Berray Mountain Lookout Hike
Tucked above the Cabinet Mountains, the Berray Mountain Lookout hike is a short, steady climb to one of the more quietly storied fire lookout sites in northwest Montana. We’ll take the easier approach from the Berray Mountain West Trailhead, following a well-defined route that climbs gradually through forest before opening up near the summit. At the top, you’ll find the …
event: National Public Lands Day Trail Project: Pillick Ridge Trail #1036
Come join FSPW in celebrating National Public Lands Day! We will be performing trail maintenance on the much neglected Pillick Ridge. Prepare for a long day on the trail, full of hard work, laughter, and rewarding views. We will be celebrating National Public Lands Day with a well earned BBQ at the trailhead after a hard day on the trail. …
hike: Big Spar Mushroom Walk
Join Rebecca Richardson, mushroom enthusiast and FSPW as we step into the quiet, mossy world of the forest on this guided mushroom hike along the Big Spar Trail. This outing is all about slowing down and noticing the small wonders—colorful fungi, unique textures, and the hidden networks that keep the forest thriving. We’ll explore a variety of habitats along the …
