Chilco Mountain Trail: The rest of the story
CORRECTIONS made, 8:35 a.m.
TRAILS -- Thursday's hiking report on the conditions of Chilco Mountain Trail 14 (south of Lake Pend Oreille) left a lot unsaid.
Yes, the trail from the Bunco Road trailhead horse gate is in good shape and the trail from the North Trailhead to the North Chilco Summit has been cleared, thanks to volunteers unknown at this point.
BUT, the going gets a little rougher beyond that, according to Spokane Mountaineers Lynn Smith and David Drum.
In his report to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests from their May 30 and June 2 surveys, Smith said other portions of the trail were hammered over the winter "to the tune of over 350 blowdowns." Smith and Drum cleared some small trees but much work is left to be done.
Karen Kimball with Panhandle Back Country Horsemen says they're planning to go up to Chilco on June 18 to do their annual logout.
Here are excerpts from Smith's report:
From the trail junction by the North Summit to the South Chilco Summit there are about 193 blowdowns.... Most are on the exposed ridge area before you reach the summit of South Chilco (see photo above).
From South Summit to the South Trailhead there are about 161 blowdowns.... Again, most are on the upper part of the trail after the summit ridge. There are also 4 root balls and/or craters that will require work, and this section had a lot of winter debris on the trail (cleared out).
The water bars are all solid and functioning though some could use cleaning out. The stock gate at the south end is in good shape though a passage has been cleared along the uphill side which I re-blocked. One of the concrete posts at the S end has been pulled and is laying on the ground.
All signage is in good shape.
Spokane Mountaineers volunteers regularly maintain popular trails on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests including Stevens Lakes and Snow Peak.
Club members were out recently to clear the trail to Revett Lake.
To join up with a crew (they actually have a good time at it), contact Lynn Smith, email kslynndeb@hotmail.com.
