Libby

This 16-mile (25.6 km) creek is surrounded by numerous smaller creeks and contains species of cutthroat and brook trout, most of which are pan size but some run as large as 14 inches. A great deal of the creek runs through private property.

Old Highway 2 Trail.This trail is part of the old highway from Libby to Troy. It is an easy hike and offers spectacular views of the Kootenai River. Although an old dirt road that is now overgrown with softwoods and wildflowers, the path may be easily followed.

Olson Creek Trail (415) offers opportunities for average day hikes and short backpacking trips. Parking is limited to turnouts, located within 0.5 mile above and below the trailhead. No stock facilities or restrooms are available.

Length: 3.5 miles. Moderate use, moderate difficulty

The lower 3 miles of Parmenter Creek Trail (140) is unusual for the Cabinets, as the valley is wide and flat enough to provide many camping spots along the creek. An unmaintained trail also goes downstream from the end of the road which leads to the back of Woodway Park, a housing development.

Pete Creek Snowmobile offers many open areas and excellent views of the Canadian Rockies and Northwest Peaks, which border Idaho. It follows Pete Creek and crosses the West Fork of the Yaak River.

Lakes in the Pleasant Valley include fish species of rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, bluegill and bass.

Poorman Creek offers about 4 miles of fishable stream (averaging 20 feet wide and 10 inches deep), most of which has a high resident habitat suitability. The pool quality, along with instream and bank cover is good.

Pulpit Mountain Trail (366) is an easy hike from Pulpit Mountain down the ridgeline to Rabbit Creek, this trail offers nice views throughout. Below Pulpit Mountain the trail becomes obscure, but can be found easily if you follow the ridgeline.

There is usually enough snowfall on Purcell Mountains Snowmobile Trail by Thanksgiving to enjoy snowmobiling, often through April. Use care as cross-country skiers also like the easy grades and scenery. In addition to the primary snow routes, there are many secondary roads.

Purcell Trail (7) was reopened in 1986 after being abandoned in the 1940s. It provides an excellent horseback opportunity.

Length: 7 miles. Light use, moderate difficulty

Trail Begins: Road 4216D.Trail Ends: Zulu Creek Trail junction

The Kootenai River parallels the route for the first 5 miles, providing a scenic foreground to the Cabinet Mountains. Whitetail deer and ruffed grouse are common along the entire length of this drive.

Quality pools and good instream cover provide fishing spots along certain reaches of the stream. Ramsey creek averages 18 feet wide and 16 inches deep. Rainbow trout (5 - 9 inches) and Dolly Varden (5 - 10 inches) are the primary fish species.

Ross Creek Overlook does not provide a vantage point of great height, but the traveler obtains a dramatic view of the Cabinet Mountains and Bull Lake Valley. The overlook offers pullouts and bus parking is available; trailers are not recommended.

The first section of Scenery Mountain Lookout Trail (649) is the easiest and follows Cedar Creek for approximately .8 mile; the climb becomes more difficult after reaching the junction.

Shafer Creek Trail (226) offers a good opportunity for the day hiker or stock user. The bottom 4 miles offer snags which house bird species such as the American red-crested woodpecker and several types of owls.

Silver Butte Creek Trail (296) is suitable for rugged day hikes and short or extended backpacking trips. Trail 296 passes a shallow, unnamed lake 3 miles from the trailhead.

The Skyline Trail System is part of the National Recreation Trail System and provides hikers or horsemen an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. The trail length and numerous camping spots make this an ideal 2-day hike. For additional access, see West Fork Quartz Creek Trail 13.1.

South Flower Creek Ski Trail is intermittently groomed. This area consists of connecting trails for all ages and abilities. These trails are nestled at the foot of Treasure Mountain. There is also a play area near the parking to practice your telemark turns.