Hells Canyon Trail (Trail #243)

This is a newer trail opened 2014. The older trail was rerouted and brought up out of the valley floor to the southern hillside of the adjacent mountains. Deterioration and rutting was a common problem with the older trail, because of its location in the deep valley floor where lots of moisture sets in. The new trail is a welcome treat as it now allows users some brief views of the surrounding landscapes. There is an Upper and Lower Trailhead. The Lower Trailhead has a developed parking lot. The Upper Trailhead is located at a wide road junction, with enough room to park a few vehicles. The trail is a wide-based trail with an average width of approximately three feet. It is made up of dirt with a gravel/rock mixture. It is hard packed during the late spring/early summer season and loosens up a bit during the dryer months of August and September. There can be lots of snow fall in this area so trail use will depend upon the snow fall for that year. Motorbikes frequent this area. Starting at the lower trailhead is the route of choice. You can climb up to the Upper Trailhead by either climbing up the trail, or by climbing up Forest Road 437. If you choose the Road, climb up 437 until you reach Hudlow Saddle. At Hudlow Saddle take a right onto Forest Road 406. Once at the Forest Road 406 /1511 junction look north (to the right) and you'll find the Upper 234 Trailhead. Starting from the Lower Trailhead, the trail crosses Hayden Creek and starts up the Hells Canyon drainage. It starts out as a good climb with a few switchbacks to get you started up the southern, sidehill slope. The trail weaves in and out of small drainages and up and around many ridges. You'll get some good views of the Hells Canyon drainage on this trail which is a huge bonus compared to the older trail. It only takes about 40 minutes from the city of Coeur d' Alene to get the the Lower Trailhead. Have some fun exploring this North Idaho backcountry trail!