brcoldir - May 5, 2023 11:39 am Date Climbed: May 4, 2023
First summit of the year!
Very snowy at the top still, definitely bring waterproof hiking pants and snowshoes, along with walking sticks of course.
rennerkj - May 11, 2022 10:00 pm Date Climbed: Sep 6, 2021
North idaho favorite.
The path of a thousand switchbacks, ok not that many but there are alot, all worth it when you see the goats. I was the first one at the trail head at 7am thought it was going to be a light people day...on the way down I counted 68 people that were on their way up.
droot - Jun 12, 2020 6:28 pm Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2020
The goats at the top are awesome
Had a great climb up in mid-June. Definitely some snow near the top, but as long as you go early there won't be too much postholing. Terrific views of the lake and surrounding areas from the top. The best part was the mountain goats everywhere! They followed us around a bit and we got some great pictures.
All in all a great summit. Do it early in the day before it gets hot.
It took us 2.5 hours up, and 2 hours down. 7.6 miles round trip.
Yes! An awesome job getting up there by my mom, who doesn't get to hike up too many mountains, but set her goal a year ago to climb Scotchman on her 70th birthday. Success!!
On another note, I feel bad because just as I was bitching about people leaving food up there for the goats, one of them snuck up behind me and got at one of my hiking poles which I had set down a few feet away. Really aggressive goats up there! Must be more diligent! It didn't want to give it up and ran away with the pole but I eventually got it back. Everyone was laughing, but that won't happen again!
Maybe close to 100 people on the trail, all nice.
huskertriguy - Aug 10, 2019 10:06 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2019
Check
This was part of a 2.5-day push on the following Washington & Idaho counties: Stevens, Pend Oreille, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Benewah, and Latah.
Having done Abercrombie Mountain and Gypsy Peak the day prior, I decided to let my dogs rest in the vehicle for this one. This was not their initial preference but I think they accepted it quite quickly after I stomped up the trail. Additionally I got a pretty early start in the morning as I wanted to head to South Selkirk Crest as soon as finishing.
I made an initial half-assed attempt on Scotchman Peak a few years prior. It will come as no surprise that in mid-May the snow was slushy and as I neared the ridgeline I decided to bail. It was good to be back to redeem myself on the land of 1000 switchbacks.
I was not on the trail too long before it started raining a bit, which was quite contrary to the forecast. At least it did not last long at all.
The trail here is straightforward, just enjoy the elevation gain. Although I left my watch in the vehicle since it died on Gypsy Peak, I tried to make quick work here so I could get back down before it got too hot for my dogs.
Thought William Wallace might be up there, but just goats. The goats were a little pushy but cool to see, including 3 kids. Saw about 2 dozen people on the trail.
Super Dave - Oct 6, 2018 6:43 pm Date Climbed: Jul 26, 2018
MTfred19 - Jun 21, 2018 2:31 pm Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2018
Pleasant Stroll...
....up this beautiful, lofty summit. Excellent views on a perfect day for hiking. Busy place. Please don't feed or bother the goats, although they may try and bother you. I hope you, too are at least an unofficial friend of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
seano - Jun 27, 2017 3:26 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2017
Nice workout peak
A nice Washington-style "workout peak," with 3600 ft gain in a bit under 4 miles on a good trail. There are even some foul-smelling mountain goats and part of an old structure on top. 59m20 up and about 1h45 round-trip.
I had wanted to do this one for a long time and it did not disappoint. The weather and scenery were awesome.
Redwic - Aug 30, 2016 8:12 am Date Climbed: Jul 30, 2016
Nice Peak!
A lot of mountain goats near the top. Decent views.
Despite an early-morning ascent and being the first person to summit that day, I passed many people during the descent.
Very nice trail by Idaho standards. A lot more people than I normally see on an Idaho peak as well. As expected, mountain goats up high- they seemed to behave pretty well (the trail was closed briefly last summer after someone was bit by a goat). The summit is not terribly high but great views up the higher Cabinet peaks in Montana and especially Lake Pend Oreille. I did carry bear spray- not sure if grizzlies frequent the area but there was a sign mentioning the possibility.
huskertriguy - May 18, 2016 11:44 pm Date Climbed: May 13, 2016
Nice Training Hike
Unfortunately started late in the day, flew in to GEG at 11 a.m. so did not get started until 2:30 p.m.
A couple friendly guys were shooting skeet along the road and warned of recent bear sightings, which had me concerned about getting back to the car well before sundown.
Beautiful hike, but when I got to the top of the clearing where the snow led to some post-holing and route-finding and saw the time was 4:30, I chose to turn back.
At the trailhead, I saw two guys heading up at 6:15, hoping to summit. I wonder if they made it.
Bummed to not have summited, but the views of the lake were worth it nevertheless!
Paul McClellan - Jul 14, 2015 10:16 pm Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2015
Mountain Goats
Took Scotchman Peak Trail. Several mountain goats on summit looking for salt. Smoky day, views were somewhat obscured.
MountainGeno - Oct 3, 2012 2:12 am Date Climbed: Oct 2, 2012
Me and the Kids
Climbed this with my two oldest (11 and 8), and a friend. The smoke had finally cleared off today so we had some great views. About three hours up and one and a half down. No goats but saw two moose on the way down.
MTfred19 - Jun 13, 2012 7:04 pm Date Climbed: Jun 9, 2012
Standard Trail
Stopped in real quick on my way home from the Bonners Ferry area. It was pouring rain at the trail head, and a blinding blizzard at the top! Followed the trail up to about 5500 ft. where the snow took over and the trail was lost. Postholed the last 1500 feet straight up to the ridge and on to the summit through some nasty shin deep breakable crust from the recent weather. Pretty easy 3.5 hr. RT but an excellent mountain that I definitely want to revisit and actually get to see the awesome views that I've only heard about. Made it back to Missoula in time for the Stanley Cup Final!
Evergreen - Nov 7, 2011 4:13 pm Date Climbed: Oct 9, 2011
In and out of the clouds
Very beautiful, even though we got socked in at the top -- cool rocks up there. Two goats on the summit. The bottom portion of this trail is a real calf burner!
calebEOC - Aug 7, 2011 3:33 pm Date Climbed: Aug 6, 2011
with my brother
Continuing my streak of at least one top Idaho prominence peak per year. Beautiful blue sunny day albeit a little hot. Around 20 people on the summit today.
Jakester - Nov 15, 2010 12:28 pm Date Climbed: Nov 13, 2010
A snowy Scotchman Summit
We hiked up Scotchman Peak in a snowstorm. Then I wrote about it. http://jakedouville.com/blog/?p=204
ericnoel - Jun 23, 2009 12:42 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2009
Trail 65
Looks like a nice peak based on the pictures. I wouldn't know since I didn't see much of it inside of the cloud I was in.
brcoldir - May 5, 2023 11:39 am Date Climbed: May 4, 2023
First summit of the year!Very snowy at the top still, definitely bring waterproof hiking pants and snowshoes, along with walking sticks of course.
rennerkj - May 11, 2022 10:00 pm Date Climbed: Sep 6, 2021
North idaho favorite.The path of a thousand switchbacks, ok not that many but there are alot, all worth it when you see the goats. I was the first one at the trail head at 7am thought it was going to be a light people day...on the way down I counted 68 people that were on their way up.
droot - Jun 12, 2020 6:28 pm Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2020
The goats at the top are awesomeHad a great climb up in mid-June. Definitely some snow near the top, but as long as you go early there won't be too much postholing. Terrific views of the lake and surrounding areas from the top. The best part was the mountain goats everywhere! They followed us around a bit and we got some great pictures.
All in all a great summit. Do it early in the day before it gets hot.
It took us 2.5 hours up, and 2 hours down. 7.6 miles round trip.
MTfred19 - Sep 6, 2019 12:00 pm Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2019
Mom's 70th Birthday!Yes! An awesome job getting up there by my mom, who doesn't get to hike up too many mountains, but set her goal a year ago to climb Scotchman on her 70th birthday. Success!!
On another note, I feel bad because just as I was bitching about people leaving food up there for the goats, one of them snuck up behind me and got at one of my hiking poles which I had set down a few feet away. Really aggressive goats up there! Must be more diligent! It didn't want to give it up and ran away with the pole but I eventually got it back. Everyone was laughing, but that won't happen again!
Maybe close to 100 people on the trail, all nice.
huskertriguy - Aug 10, 2019 10:06 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2019
CheckThis was part of a 2.5-day push on the following Washington & Idaho counties: Stevens, Pend Oreille, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Benewah, and Latah.
Having done Abercrombie Mountain and Gypsy Peak the day prior, I decided to let my dogs rest in the vehicle for this one. This was not their initial preference but I think they accepted it quite quickly after I stomped up the trail. Additionally I got a pretty early start in the morning as I wanted to head to South Selkirk Crest as soon as finishing.
I made an initial half-assed attempt on Scotchman Peak a few years prior. It will come as no surprise that in mid-May the snow was slushy and as I neared the ridgeline I decided to bail. It was good to be back to redeem myself on the land of 1000 switchbacks.
I was not on the trail too long before it started raining a bit, which was quite contrary to the forecast. At least it did not last long at all.
The trail here is straightforward, just enjoy the elevation gain. Although I left my watch in the vehicle since it died on Gypsy Peak, I tried to make quick work here so I could get back down before it got too hot for my dogs.
Dundeel - Jul 15, 2019 4:48 pm Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2019
Hoot MonThought William Wallace might be up there, but just goats. The goats were a little pushy but cool to see, including 3 kids. Saw about 2 dozen people on the trail.
Super Dave - Oct 6, 2018 6:43 pm Date Climbed: Jul 26, 2018
Nice HikeNice hike, crazy goats. Trip Report
MTfred19 - Jun 21, 2018 2:31 pm Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2018
Pleasant Stroll.......up this beautiful, lofty summit. Excellent views on a perfect day for hiking. Busy place. Please don't feed or bother the goats, although they may try and bother you. I hope you, too are at least an unofficial friend of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
seano - Jun 27, 2017 3:26 pm Date Climbed: Jun 27, 2017
Nice workout peakA nice Washington-style "workout peak," with 3600 ft gain in a bit under 4 miles on a good trail. There are even some foul-smelling mountain goats and part of an old structure on top. 59m20 up and about 1h45 round-trip.
Tracy - Sep 15, 2016 9:46 pm Date Climbed: Sep 15, 2016
Beautiful trail hikeI had wanted to do this one for a long time and it did not disappoint. The weather and scenery were awesome.
Redwic - Aug 30, 2016 8:12 am Date Climbed: Jul 30, 2016
Nice Peak!A lot of mountain goats near the top. Decent views.
Despite an early-morning ascent and being the first person to summit that day, I passed many people during the descent.
boisedoc - Jul 15, 2016 6:08 pm Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2016
great viewsVery nice trail by Idaho standards. A lot more people than I normally see on an Idaho peak as well. As expected, mountain goats up high- they seemed to behave pretty well (the trail was closed briefly last summer after someone was bit by a goat). The summit is not terribly high but great views up the higher Cabinet peaks in Montana and especially Lake Pend Oreille. I did carry bear spray- not sure if grizzlies frequent the area but there was a sign mentioning the possibility.
huskertriguy - May 18, 2016 11:44 pm Date Climbed: May 13, 2016
Nice Training HikeUnfortunately started late in the day, flew in to GEG at 11 a.m. so did not get started until 2:30 p.m.
A couple friendly guys were shooting skeet along the road and warned of recent bear sightings, which had me concerned about getting back to the car well before sundown.
Beautiful hike, but when I got to the top of the clearing where the snow led to some post-holing and route-finding and saw the time was 4:30, I chose to turn back.
At the trailhead, I saw two guys heading up at 6:15, hoping to summit. I wonder if they made it.
Bummed to not have summited, but the views of the lake were worth it nevertheless!
Paul McClellan - Jul 14, 2015 10:16 pm Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2015
Mountain GoatsTook Scotchman Peak Trail. Several mountain goats on summit looking for salt. Smoky day, views were somewhat obscured.
MountainGeno - Oct 3, 2012 2:12 am Date Climbed: Oct 2, 2012
Me and the KidsClimbed this with my two oldest (11 and 8), and a friend. The smoke had finally cleared off today so we had some great views. About three hours up and one and a half down. No goats but saw two moose on the way down.
MTfred19 - Jun 13, 2012 7:04 pm Date Climbed: Jun 9, 2012
Standard TrailStopped in real quick on my way home from the Bonners Ferry area. It was pouring rain at the trail head, and a blinding blizzard at the top! Followed the trail up to about 5500 ft. where the snow took over and the trail was lost. Postholed the last 1500 feet straight up to the ridge and on to the summit through some nasty shin deep breakable crust from the recent weather. Pretty easy 3.5 hr. RT but an excellent mountain that I definitely want to revisit and actually get to see the awesome views that I've only heard about. Made it back to Missoula in time for the Stanley Cup Final!
Evergreen - Nov 7, 2011 4:13 pm Date Climbed: Oct 9, 2011
In and out of the cloudsVery beautiful, even though we got socked in at the top -- cool rocks up there. Two goats on the summit. The bottom portion of this trail is a real calf burner!
calebEOC - Aug 7, 2011 3:33 pm Date Climbed: Aug 6, 2011
with my brotherContinuing my streak of at least one top Idaho prominence peak per year. Beautiful blue sunny day albeit a little hot. Around 20 people on the summit today.
Jakester - Nov 15, 2010 12:28 pm Date Climbed: Nov 13, 2010
A snowy Scotchman SummitWe hiked up Scotchman Peak in a snowstorm. Then I wrote about it. http://jakedouville.com/blog/?p=204
ericnoel - Jun 23, 2009 12:42 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2009
Trail 65Looks like a nice peak based on the pictures. I wouldn't know since I didn't see much of it inside of the cloud I was in.