サンダース郡のおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

5,351-foot Minton Peak is named for Colonel David Minton, an Ohioan who moved west and homesteaded in the area. The mountain is home to a lookout structure that was built in 1932, renovated in 1968, and largely replaced in 2011. The summit and lookout catwalk offer great views of the Cabinet and Bitterroot Mountains. There is a vault toilet on site and the lookout structure is rentable from the U.S. Forest Service for $55 per night.

This fire lookout position was originally no more than a tent and a separate, open-top platform. Eventually, a 30-foot-tall enclosed cabin was built. This structure is what still stands today. The lookout offers great views of the Clark Fork River and the surrounding mountains. This building is rentable from the U.S. Forest Service for $45 per night. There is a vault toilet nearby.

A 14'x14' fire lookout building sits on the summit of 5,772-foot Sex Peak. The lookout was built in the late 1940s, replacing the original structure from the '20s. The lookout has minimal amenities and is rentable from the Forest Service for $45 per night. The 360-degree views are excellent.

Jackpine Flats Campground is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. There is a vault toilet at the site, but there is limited space to camp. There is no fee to stay and priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a good place to leave a car or camp overnight if hiking the old logging road up to Sex Peak.

From the Lake you can admire mountain peaks and meadows. Ojibway Peak overlooks the lake. Moose and mountain goats be seen around Rock Lake on occasions. A great place to fish Cutthroat trout, and with hardly any mosquitos, you might not want to ever leave. There are a few dispersed campsite around the lake to spend at least a few days.

Leading into the Blacktail Creek drainage, the trail receives relatively little use. The trail crosses Blacktail Creek twice, these crossings are easy to pass most of the year. At the top you get a great view of Cabinet Gorge Reservoir.

A lot of access to water, shade, moss and large diameter trees give a beautiful “rain forest” feel. If you are brave enough you can take an exhilarating dip in the alpine waters. Elephant Peak (7938 feet) and St. Paul Peak (7714 feet) tower over as you near St. Paul Lake.

At an elevation of 1,837 metres you are able to enjoy spectacular views of Twenty Peak to the north, Trout Creek on Noxon Rapids Reservoir to the west, Vermilion River Valley to the east, and Clarks Fork to the south. It's a challenge to get here so bring plenty of water and appropriate attire.