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: Trail Project: Napoleon Gulch Trail #1035
Come join us on July 31st on Napoleon Gulch Trail! 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! Where: Napoleon Gulch Trail #1035 via the Dry gulch access Trail Head off the Bull River Highway When:Friday July …
event: Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour
Join us for a ~26-mile scenic bike tour through forests, meadows, and farms in North Western Montana! Farm visits Locally sourced lunch Live music & ag market T-shirt included Kids 12 & under FREE (shorter Course offered) Lunch-only tickets available Full tour: $85 | Lunch only: $25 Begins & ends at Heron Community Center Camping available Low-waste event – bring your own cup/mug! Support local farms …
event: Intro to Trail Work & Traditional Tool Talk in Libby
Join FSPW for an engaging Intro to Trail Work & Traditional Tool Talk, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of maintaining and building sustainable trails. This drop-in session covers essential traditional tools like crosscut saws and pulaskis, along with techniques and best practices for soil erosion control, proper trail design, and safety measures, all while enjoying the great outdoors. No experience …
hike: Hamilton Gulch Hike
Hike up Dry Creek, Hamilton Gulch trails to the end of the trail. If we feel like it, and conditions are good, we can then bushwhack our way up to the ridgeline to a 6400′ peak for excellent views of Billiard peak. We will then follow the ridgeline back and intersect with Hamilton Gulch trail for our hike out. 4,000′ …
hike: Tree ID/Forest Ecology Hike
Step into the enchanting world of forest ecology on our guided group hike up the Moran Basin, near the Historic Bull River Guard Station, where you’ll discover the secrets of the trees that tower above us. Led by Jon Colby, Silviculture Forester, KNF Cabinet Ranger District, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into the diverse ecosystems of …
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: Intro to Trail Work & Traditional Tool Talk in Trout Creek
Join FSPW for an engaging Intro to Trail Work & Traditional Tool Talk, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of maintaining and building sustainable trails. This drop-in session covers essential traditional tools like crosscut saws and pulaskis, along with techniques and best practices for soil erosion control, proper trail design, and safety measures, all while enjoying the great outdoors. No experience …
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 …
event: Trail Project: Little Spar Lake Trail #143 (Women’s Overnight Project) (WAITLIST ONLY)
Update: WAITLIST ONLY, Please Contact trails@scotchmanpeaks.org 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 …
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: Kootenai Forest Fair
Celebrate Northwest Montana! Join us Saturday, Sept. 26th | 2–5 PM for an afternoon of timber, trails, wildlife & water! Hosted by the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Collaborative and friends, this FREE event is all about connection, conversation, and a bright future for our public lands in Lincoln County. What’s happening at the fair? Chat with local loggers, forest rangers & …
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 …
