Roughly 60 miles south of Canada, the 88,000 acre Scotchman Peaks roadless area spans the Idaho-Montana border. Since the 1970s, when the U.S. Forest Service carried out extensive evaluations of lands suitable for wilderness, this rugged, scenic and biologically diverse portion of the Cabinet Mountains has been managed for its wilderness potential. The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness believe now is the time to preserve the Scotchmans, one of the last, and largest, wild areas in our region.
The latest edition of our newsletter, PEAK EXPERIENCE, is now available! To view it click on the title above or go to the "Newsroom" for our current and past issues.
The Scotchman's in Backpackers Magazine - June 2009
If you haven't already picked up your June issue of Backpacker Magazine, better do so quick before it leaves the newstands. Turn to page 68 to read a terrific article they did on the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.
Cinnabar Challenge Grant Announced for 2009
Yes folks, it's that time of year again - the snow has melted, the earth has warmed, the trails are ready, and the hikers are in full bloom. That can only mean one thing.........its "Challenge Grant" time again!
Once again the Cinnabar Foundation has generously agreed to offer a Challenge Grant, meaning that if we manage to raise just $4000, they will make a matchiing donation of another $4000! Our deepest thanks to our friends at the Cinnabar Foundation for their continued support.
You can read the Details Here
You can view our Challenge Grant Progress Chart
Join us June 6th to celebrate National Trails Day
The first Saturday every June is designated National Trails Day (NTD) in the United States. On that day every year more than a million hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others take part in thousands of events nationwide in celebration of America's trails - and we have a weekend of festivities planned - come join us for one or all events!
View the 2009 NTD Events schedule - 36kb PDF
View the Flyer - 116kb PDF
2009 Annual State Of The Scotchmans
Join the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness at the new Ponderay Events Center (behind Sandpoint Furniture off the east entrance to the Bonner Mall complex) on Tuesday May 26th for our annual “State of the Scotchmans” celebration. Doors open at 5pm to meet and mingle with special guests Congressman Walt Minnick and Wilderness Historian Doug Scott during a happy hour reception. Admission is free and this is sure to be an exciting evening for anyone interested in wilderness!
Read the full Press Release - 252kb PDF
View the Flyer (it's pretty) - 412kb PDF
The Friends Announce a 2009 Summer Photo Contest
Grab your camera and your favorite hiking companion and head out for the Scotchman Peaks this summer and you could win some cool swag! .......Read all about the Photo Contest here........
Adoption Announcement
The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness are thrilled to announce that they have adopted a 2 mile section of Highway 200 just east of Clark Fork Idaho, at the foot of the Scotchmans. Highway signs with our organization's name will be up soon and opportunities to help keep this scenic byway free of litter will be found on our current hiking schedule. Both the FSPW and the Highway are doing well and visitors are welcomed.
2008 Annual Report Released
It's here! It's finally here! And the best news is that you don't have to line up and camp out all night like in years past to get your copy! You can download the Friends Of Scotchman Peaks Annual Report for 2008 - and it's free! I'm so excited I have to go sit down. Don't worry, I'll be okay, but hurry and get your copy while supplies last.
2008 Friends of Scotchman Peaks Annual Report - PDF (604kb)
Calling All Bird Aficionados
We've added a new page to our site - Birds Of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (you may have noticed the NEW! link on the lefthand menu)......print out the list using our printable PDF link on the page and bring it along on one of our Hikes - see if you can check off a few! Don't forget your binoculars!
High Quality Maps Now Available!
The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, with support from the Idaho Conservation League, has produced a high quality hiking map for the Scotchman Peaks area.
This full-color, shaded relief, topographic map shows maintained trails and trailhead access routes on one side. The other side of the map has information designed to inspire as well as assist in trip planning.
You can pick up your FREE copy at many locations throughout our communities, including those retail businesses who sell our t-shirts and other merchandise, forest service ranger district offices, chamber of congresses, or at an upcoming Friends of Scotchman Peaks event. Please see our Store Page for a list of local retailers where you can find our Maps and other merchandise.
High Resolution downloadable copies of the Map only are also available on our Maps Page.
Sweatshirts AND T-shirts Are Now Available!
Our sweatshirts and t-shirts are available at the following locations:
- Outdoor Experience in Sandpoint, ID
- Cafe Bodega in Sandpoint, ID
- Eichardt's in Sandpoint, ID
- The Hope Market Cafe in Hope, ID
- Scotchman Coffee House in Clark Fork, ID
- Far North Outfitters in Bonners Ferry, ID
- REI in Spokane, WA
- Huckleberry Thicket in Trout Creek, MT
- Mountain Meadows in Libby, MT
Be sure to visit our Store Page to see all of the items available for purchase, and also check out our Online Store where you'll find additional t-shirts, sweatshirts, and a lot of other fun items with our logo, our mascot, and other unique FSPW designs.