Tank the Trail Finder: Idaho's long trail isn't far!
Photos by Molly Geiger Tank takes a quick break at Pear Lake, along the Idaho Centennial Trail.
Tank checks on Ella during a steep section along the Idaho Centennial Trail.
A picturesque waterfall just south of Thompson Pass along the Idaho Centennial Trail is just one of the many rewards for hiking it.
This is the time of year where there is just a hint of spring in the air, which is all it takes to get me thinking about what trails we want to conquer this summer. Of course we have more than enough trails in our local area to keep us busy for a lifetime, but I have to admit that my heart is often pulled to our nation’s “long trails.”
If you are not familiar with what a “long trail” is, don’t worry, I once thought that anything over 5 miles was long enough for me; but in actuality a “long trail” is a hike that is long enough to make you feel like a nomad, while simultaneously making your family members question your sanity. One of our nation’s most famous long trails is the Pacific Crest Trail which begins at the border of Mexico and California, and reaches its terminus 2,680 miles later just past the Washington State border into Canada. The other well known long trail which calls to us hiker geeks is the Appalachian Trail, which begins in Georgia and follows the Appalachian mountains north through 14 states, ending in Maine atop Mt. Katadin. At a mere 2,190 miles, and considerably easier access to water and resupply locations, the AT is considered the easier of the two trails. However, the AT does not allow livestock, and since the goats are part of our hiking family, we have decided to turn our sights to the PCT.
I have to admit, I’m already strategizing a way to hike the Pacific Crest Trail with Ella and the goats in about two years. I comb over maps, plan our gear down to the finest detail, and read trail journals from those who have previously completed the trail, all in preparation for the journey ahead. The excitement can quite literally keep me awake at night. For me, (a person who has never been good at “stick and ball” sports) this is the equivalent to competing in the Super Bowl; only it is much longer, less exciting, has no half time show, and no big paycheck at the end. Just the glorious feeling of accomplishment, which is enough for Ella and I.
The most important thing we and the goats can do to prepare for a journey like the PCT is hike, and we are lucky that we have a perfect training ground here. In fact, Idaho even has its own long trail, that runs right through the back yard of the Silver Valley! The little known Idaho Centennial Trail is a relatively new trail, and was given official status just in time for our state’s Centennial celebration in 1990. It begins at the Idaho/Nevada border and winds it’s way north through some of the most remote, amazing, and diverse scenery imaginable. One will cross sage brush plains, the peaks of the Sawtooth mountains, deep river valleys, as well as lush forests before reaching the terminus 1,200 miles later at the Canadian border.
The section that is virtually in our back yard begins just outside of Mullan, and can be accessed by following Larson Road past Shoshone Park to the historic Hale Fish Hatchery. From the hatchery you will drive north on an old dirt road a short distance to where trail 133 begins (aka the Idaho Centennial Trail) eventually trail 133 will turn into trail 7 heading north along the Idaho/Montana border and lead you to Glidden Pass, Pear Lake, and Blossom Lakes. How far you continue on is up to you — it is your journey after all. If you have the itch to keep going, you will eventually reach Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, and the Northern Selkirks reaching into Canada. Before taking on such a trek, I recommend downloading the free maps that can be found at Idaho.gov, as well as the book ‘Discover Idaho’s Centennial Trail’ by Stephen Stuebner.
Oh, and one more thing you may want to bring — your “kids,” both the two- and four-legged kinds! Long trail hikes are a chance to reconnect with nature, test your endurance and bond with the ones you love in a way that cannot be described, it must be felt!
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As always, we love to hear from you and welcome any comments or questions you may have. You can contact us via email at goattrekn@gmail.com, or follow our daily adventures by liking our Facebook page Goat Trek’n! Happy trails!