How about a hike to the 7,000+ foot elevation level
capped with the reward of incredible views? The beauty of Priest
Lake unfolds nearly a mile below, the awesome grandeur of Chimney
Rock seems but an arm's length away, and the Selkirk Crest surrounds
you. It can be yours for a moderate hiking effort and about 3-4 hours
of your time.
The
Mount Roothaan/Chimney Rock trail is a popular route that leads into the
backcountry of Priest Lake with spectacular vistas along the way. You may
drive your vehicle (High clearance vehicles only!) to the trailhead parking
area atop Horton Ridge at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The 2-mile trail
leads along Horton Ridge up to a saddle near the crest of Mount Roothaan.
The last 1/2 mile of the trail is "mountain goat country" - very
steep and rocky. The trail continues on to the base of Chimney Rock for
those hardy souls who survive the "mountain goat" climb and desire
an additional two hours or so of hiking (round trip from Mt Roothaan to
Chimney Rock). Good hiking shoes are a must on this portion of the trail
as the route passes through a boulder field.
To
reach the Mount Roothaan/Chimney Rock trailhead, travel north from Coolin
7.4 miles on Cavanaugh Bay/East Lakeshore Road (or 4 miles south from Indian
Creek Campground) to Forest Road #24. This road intersects with the East
Lakeshore Road immediately north of the Hunt Creek bridge. Turn onto Road
#24 and continue for 4 miles until you arrive at a fork in the road. Bear
left at the fork onto Forest Road #2. After traveling 1.6 miles on Road
#2, you will arrive at the intersection of Roads #2 and #25. Road #2 turns
left and Road #25 continues straight ahead. Proceed on Road #25 for 4.1
miles to the trailhead parking area. The drive from the East Lakeshore
Road to the trailhead will take approximately one hour and the hike to
Mount Roothaan takes about 1-1/2 hours.
NOTE:
This trail system is not maintained and travel may include negotiating
downfalls, brush, and other obstacles. Land navigation equipment and skills
may be required to remain on the correct roads and trails as some are not
well marked. High clearance or 4X4 vehicles are recommended to access trailheads.
Information and maps are available at the Idaho Department of Lands office
at the foot of Cavanaugh Bay.
The
Mount Roothaan/Chimney Rock trail is a popular route that leads into the
backcountry of Priest Lake with spectacular vistas along the way. You may
drive your vehicle (High clearance vehicles only!) to the trailhead parking
area atop Horton Ridge at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The 2-mile trail
leads along Horton Ridge up to a saddle near the crest of Mount Roothaan.
The last 1/2 mile of the trail is "mountain goat country" - very
steep and rocky. The trail continues on to the base of Chimney Rock for
those hardy souls who survive the "mountain goat" climb and desire
an additional two hours or so of hiking (round trip from Mt Roothaan to
Chimney Rock). Good hiking shoes are a must on this portion of the trail
as the route passes through a boulder field.
To
reach the Mount Roothaan/Chimney Rock trailhead, travel north from Coolin
7.4 miles on Cavanaugh Bay/East Lakeshore Road (or 4 miles south from Indian
Creek Campground) to Forest Road #24. This road intersects with the East
Lakeshore Road immediately north of the Hunt Creek bridge. Turn onto Road
#24 and continue for 4 miles until you arrive at a fork in the road. Bear
left at the fork onto Forest Road #2. After traveling 1.6 miles on Road
#2, you will arrive at the intersection of Roads #2 and #25. Road #2 turns
left and Road #25 continues straight ahead. Proceed on Road #25 for 4.1
miles to the trailhead parking area. The drive from the East Lakeshore
Road to the trailhead will take approximately one hour and the hike to
Mount Roothaan takes about 1-1/2 hours. 
NOTE:
This trail system is not maintained and travel may include negotiating
downfalls, brush, and other obstacles. Land navigation equipment and skills
may be required to remain on the correct roads and trails as some are not
well marked. High clearance or 4X4 vehicles are recommended to access trailheads.
Information and maps are available at the Idaho Department of Lands office
at the foot of Cavanaugh Bay.