Potlatch River Trail

by Back Country
1 year ago
Near , US

4 views

The Potlatch Canyon Trail starts at a paved trailhead. The first half mile is along a paved river access trail before splitting at a picnic table and climbing through the forest to a nice overlook of the river. Along the trail you will walk in the shadows of tall cedars and ponderosa pines with breaks into small clearings full of green grass and early spring wildflowers. The trail than follows an old road with impressive views of the canyon below. The trail than drops back to the Potlatch River where is follows the river along an old railroad grade (pieces of the track can still be found). Along the river access points to the water can be found and breaks into large open meadows provide impressive views, signs of bear, moose, elk, and deer are evident through this area as well. After a short climb above the river the trail than passes through a gate where it rejoins with the paved trail. The paved trail is a mile long walk back to the parking lot. Make it a weekend and check out the Little Boulder Campground 1/4 mile up the road. This forest service campground sits on the edge of a mountain meadow full of blooming camas in the early summer. Location: 46.773510, -116.456340

TO TRAILHEAD: From Deary, Idaho head east on Highway 8 to the town of Helmer. In Helmer follow signs to Little Boulder Campground (right on Park Road). After three miles trailhead is on your left just before bridge.