Highpoint Trail

Highpoint Trail is a loop trail that can be done in either direction. A clockwise hike is described here. This is a forest trail that is quite rocky in places, and involves some scrambling. Highpoint Trail starts at the end of the parking area. The trail enters the forest on a smooth, needle covered path. For the first 0.65 miles the trail is flat and smooth as it wanders through the pine, cedars, hemlocks, and other trees. At the 0.6 mile mark, Squirrel Cache Trail is passed on the left, followed by a bridge over a small stream. Then the steep climb begins. The trail becomes quite rocky, and in the steepest places some easy scrambling is called for. After 0.4 miles, this climb brings one to the top of a 450 foot rocky knob. However, about a quarter mile through the climb, just before the steepest part begins, an unmarked junction is reached. If one prefers to avoid the rest of the climb/scramble, a path that bypasses it- Highpoint View Bypass, goes to the right. To stay on Highpoint Trail and get to the viewpoint at the top of the rocky knob, turn left to find a green arrow pointing the way up. The final push to the top of the rocky knob brings one to a relatively broad, flat, rocky area. Its south side is open, and there are great views to the west and south. East views are mostly blocked by a nearby rock outcropping that is part of this rocky knob. The north side of the flat top is forested. Thus although Lake Pend O'reille is nearby below, one can only see glimpses of it through the trees. After exploring the rocky knob's summit area, follow the green markings to the path down the other side, to continue on Highpoint Trail. The path down is shorter, but also very steep and rocky. After a tenth of a mile down climbing, the other end of Highpoint View Bypass is reached on the right/west. This is the 1.3 mile mark along Highpoint Trail. Scout Trail on the left/east, also starts here at a well marked trail junction. Follow the green markings to continue on Highpoint Trail. The trail continues to descend for the next 0.3 miles, but the grade is easier (no more scrambling). At the 1.6 mile mark, the trail flattens out for its remaining mile. But there are still some challenges... Around the 2.0 mile mark, there is a large signed area where this section of the trail is right next to the beginning of the trail. Stay to the left here to continue on the end section. Follow the green blazes and arrows for another 0.6 miles to get back to the parking area.