Hiking in the Yaak
Bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by Idaho, the Yaak is nestled in the northwest corner of Montana and part of the 2.2 million acre Kootenai National Forest. With three wilderness areas and more than 1,400 miles of trails, there's something for everyone -- leisurely walks, moderate terrain and remote hiking destinations.
Traveling into the Yaak is like no other place you've been -- easy to access, but largely untouched by civilization. Ranges of high, rocky peaks mark the forest with the Cabinet Mountains, Whitefish Range, Purcell Mountains, Bitterroot Range and Salish Mountains all part of the rugged terrain radiating from the river valleys. In the north-central part of the forest, the land is more open with rolling timbered hills lying in the shadows of the Whitefish Range.
Hiking in the surrounding area easily opens the door to other activities -- animal and bird watching, fishing for trout in the numerous lakes and streams, seasonal huckleberry picking, or trying your hand at panning for gold. You may even stumble across lookout towers, old mining and logging equipment, and the cabins of early settlers.
Hikers will find many miles of backcountry roads available in the Yaak that allow easy access to the numerous trails of the Kootenai National Forest. You'll also have lots of privacy as some areas are closed to motorized vehicles, increasing your opportunity to see more wildlife and the natural landscape in solitude.
In the heart of the Yaak is the Caribou Trail. The 3-mile trail begins on a logging road and runs uphill through a lodgepole pine stand. Gaining elevation, the trail sidehills around Caribou Mountain and fades out near the U.S. and Canadian border. There are natural clearings and openings, offering excellent views of the valley and up into Canada and opportunities to see wildlife.
To get a birds-eye view of the Yaak and Kootenai areas, the rustic Flatiron Mountain Trail has an easy-to-follow open ridge and offers views of the Yaak and Kootenai. It starts at Rainbow Ridge and ends at the top of Flatiron Mountain, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. Just 1.5 miles, it's ideal for families.
Seen from several vantages in the Yaak, 7,243-foot Mount Henry is the high point between the Yaak and Lake Koocanusa. There are several hiking opportunities in the immediate vicinity, including a 3.7-mile trail through the forest to Mount Henry Lake. Ending at the base of Mount Henry, the trail is mostly through trees with occasional glimpses of the valley.
To explore the area further, there's the 8-mile Vinal/Mount Henry/Boulder Trail, starting in the Yaak off Pipe Creek Road and ending at the Mount Henry Lookout. The Kootenai National Forest has designated five National Recreation Trails of which this is one. The trail gains little in elevation, making it ideal for families and casual hikers. The easiest section is where it parallels Vinal Creek on the west end. As the grade increases, it traverses the ridge to Mount Henry. At the junction of Vinal and Turner Creeks is Turner Creek Falls, and further on is a panoramic view from atop the mountain.
As you'll find, the Yaak is filled with lakes and streams. Wander along the Burke Lake trail to see the small lake surrounded by trees with a view of Northwest Peak. Only 1.3 miles, hike through scattered timber and small clearings. And, 3.5-mile Fish Lakes Trail and 1.9-mile Hoskins Lake Trail offer two-fers for the outdoor recreationist -- great hiking and easy access to even better fishing.
More remote hiking trails are available in the Cabinet Wilderness, Ten Lakes and Northwest Peaks Scenic Areas. The Kootenai National Forest does not require backcountry or wilderness permits, so you are free to roam.
With all these trails (and more!) to choose from, grab your boots, breathe in the fresh air and explore one of the last untouched places in the United States.