Trail Overview
This scenic and expansive 57-mile excursion route from Chewelah north to Beaver Lodge is an ideal long-distance journey for novice offroaders looking to explore the beautiful Little Pend Oreille lakes recreation area. Starting from Chewelah, the path begins as a paved road before transitioning to gravel at the national forest boundary. The route climbs through varying elevations, topping out at 5,246 feet, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains. Drivers will experience relatively gentle grades, with an average gradient of about 2.4 degrees, making it a highly approachable drive for most high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles or off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
As the route winds deeper into the national forest, the primary surface remains well-maintained gravel, though seasonal conditions can change the driving experience. During dry summer months, dust is the primary obstacle, so maintaining a safe following distance is recommended. While the trail features a low technical difficulty, its length and cumulative elevation gain of over 4,770 feet make it a full-day adventure. Riders can choose to trailer their OHVs directly to the North Fork Chewelah Creek campground area to save a 24-mile round trip of pavement driving, allowing more time to enjoy the destination near the lakes.
