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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: June 10, 2000
- Miles Hiked: 10.0
- Elevation Gain: 200'
- Hiking Partner(s): Doug
Kimball
- Description:
- The Trapper Creek trail is
located in the same general area of last weekend's hike. But,
rather than hiking up the west side of Upper Priest Lake, you hike down
a portion of the east side of the lake. Trapper Creek campground
and Navigation campground are located across from one another on the
north end of the lake.
- In order to save some driving
time on Saturday, Doug and I left Sandpoint at 7:45 p.m. on Friday night
to drive to the Stagger Inn campground approximately 25 minutes from the
trailhead. We confronted a moose on the road and scared it off
before arriving at the campground. We had a cup of tea and a small
snack before turning in for the night using the reliable old VW Bus for
shelter.
- We awoke to an overcast sky and
decided to have breakfast to see what the weather would do. After
some organic oatmeal, eggs, a bagel, and a hot cup of coffee, we drove
to the trailhead and decided to start walking.
- The trail meanders through the
trees most of the way to Trapper Creek with several foot bridges to
assist with crossing creeks. We made it to the campground after
five miles of enjoyable hiking. We were very fortunate not to get
wet all day as we watched showers pass to the north and south of
us. After having a bite to eat and taking in the views of Upper
Priest Lake, we headed back to the bus noting the array of wild flowers
growing on the east bank of the lake.
- It took us two hours to reach
Trapper Creek, and the same amount of time to return. Overall it
was a very enjoyable day hike through a fairly remote area. There
are several other hikes located near Upper Priest Lake that would be
worth exploring, but the Upper Priest River trail is the most appealing
with American Falls located at it terminus.
- Maps:
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
- This is from Trapper Creek campground
towards the south and Plowboy Camground at the other end of Upper
Priest Lake.
- Here is an excellent photo of Doug
on the shores of Upper Priest Lake. Can you see how I have
captured the trail, lake, mountains, and wildflowers all at once, pretty
good eh?
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