Navigation Trail #291

Navigation Trail is a forest trail, through lush, beautiful, healthy mixed conifer forest. It runs along the west side of Upper Priest Lake for about a third of its distance. There are some short ups and downs to keep it interesting. From the southern trailhead parking area, Navigation Trail starts at a well marked trailhead sign. It immediately enters the forest. Surrounded by trees, large and small, it is easy hiking on the soft conifer needles. A few streams and muddy areas are crossed on good boardwalks. The trail comes to Plowboy Camp Spur- the access spur for Plowboy trail camp, at the 2.6 mile mark. This spur is worth exploring - with its beaches and picnic tables, it's a great place for a break. Continuing on, Navigation Trail runs along the west side of Priest Lake for the next 2.6 miles. For the first half of this stretch, the lake is right there below the trail, and the views across the lake to the mountains, are exquisite. The trail then moves inland a bit to climb over a rise and then descend to a major trail junction at the 4.8 mile mark. Here, Navigation Camp Access, on the right/east takes one to Navigation trail camp. To the left is Plowboy Mountain Trail #295. Go straight here to continue on Navigation Trail. Navigation Trail then crosses a creek, leaves Upper Priest Lake behind, and begins a short climb at the 5.2 mile mark. Continuing on in the forest, the trail corridor becomes noticeably wider in places as it follows old forest roads. Nearby mountains can occasionally be seen in this open, wide trail corridor. At the 7.5 mile mark, the trail drops down a bit to cross the impressive Boulder Creek on a sturdy bridge. From here, a vigorous creek to the right can be heard but not seen until the trail arrives at the even more impressive Hughes Fork creek madly rushing through its mini canyon, and thankfully bridged by the Million Dollar Bridge. After crossing Hughes Fork, a short tenth mile brings one to the north Navigation Trail trailhead and a parking area. This parking area is accessed on a short gravel road just off FSR #1013 at a sign that clearly marks this northern trailhead.