Become a Trail Ambassador!
Every summer since 2016, Scotchman Peak Trail Ambassadors hit the trails to make sure hikers know they need to keep their distance from wildlife. The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have been partnering with the Sandpoint Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest to bring this Trail Ambassador program to life. It’s a great reason to get out for a hike while performing an important conservation service.
Scotchman Peak is one of the most popular peaks in northern Idaho and is a worthy “bucket list” hike. Sitting at 7,009′ tall, it is the tallest crag in Bonner County and in the Idaho Cabinets. Scotchman Peak Trail #65 is a 7.9-mile, roundtrip trail located about 5.5 miles northeast of Clark Fork, Idaho in the Kaniksu National Forest, less than 15 minutes from the Idaho/Montana border. You’ll enjoy panoramic views sweeping into the Cabinet Range in Montana, the Selkirk Range into British Columbia, and of course – the majestic Lake Pend Oreille.
Scotchman Peak is also home to a native Mountain Goat herd. Goats are naturally curious and love salt, so become habituated to humans when they are allowed to lick sweaty backpacks or eat human food. Over time, this behavior can create dangerous situations for the goats, pets, and humans. Injuries or accidents between goats and humans or dogs can lead to trails being shut down or the removal of goats, and we want to avoid both of these!
What does a Trail Ambassador do?
- Pick a day to be out on the Scotchman Peak trail (weekends and holidays June-October)
- Serve as a friendly, informative presence on the trail and at the trailhead
- Fill out our Trail Ambassador report form at the end of the day
How do we support you?
- Provide you with a brief training
- You’ll get maps and stickers to pass out to folks you meet
- We give you a very official Trail Ambassador shirt and coveted volunteer hat
The Trail Ambassador program runs from June through early October on weekends and holidays. Bring a friend, or your whole family for a fun and impactful day in the wild Scotchmans.
Watch & Learn: Trail Ambassador Training Video
Current Trail Ambassadors
Thanks for helping to protect hikers and goats in the Scotchmans! Please fill out the Trail Ambassador Report Form below.
