1.3 mi, +513 feet
This is a super pleasant hike on nice trails. It would also be a great winter activation with skis or snowshoes. There is a very nice enclosed warming hut near the top (within the activation zone) with a wood stove and a picnic table.
NOTE: not to be confused with the other Blacktail Mt, which is much farther north in the Idaho Panhandle.
For this 1pt summit, you really have to work for it. The elevation gain is around 1800' and distance is around 2 miles OW.
This summit is within Weyerhaeuser's "Clatsop - Jewell" permit region. It also requires a significant hike/bike for the non-motorized permit holder. More details and routes available on request.
This summit is within Weyerhaeuser's "Clatsop - Jewell" permit region. It also requires a significant hike/bike for the non-motorized permit holder. More details and routes available on request.
The Spence Mountain Trail climbs about 1800 ft in 7 miles. Its not ever terribly steep but climbs steadily without much relief. There are plenty of gorgeous views to the South and West.
I had recent occasion to visit Northern Idaho and was able to fit in a few activations.
For this summit, it seemed like there was no good way to access the Stimson property.
However, going around the back on Baker Lake Rd yielded a locked gate onto Sunrise Hill Lane around (48.209256, -117.265011) posted non-motorized access only about a mile from the summit.
Starting from State Highway 231 northbound towards Chewalah and turn right on Hafer Rd. The turn left on Cottonwood Creek Rd and then right on Horseshoe Lake Rd. Finally, there is a left turn on Mud Lake Rd. This is somewhat rough and I would not do it after a heavy rain. Alternatively, follow 231 into town and turn right on Flowery Trail Rd to the other end of Mud Lake Rd. In any case, you can park at the Quartzite Mt Trailhead. There are several spots available up and down the road.
I had corresponded with Matt W7MDN and he graciously sent me a GPS track for this summit. His previous account is here.
However, upon arrival at the gate, I was met with a No Trespassing sign which included rather explicit details about the lead that would be sent my way if I chose to ignore the sign.
I was unable to locate another way across the private property from Rail Canyon Rd to the WA Resource Management Area.
This one-point peak is located on a parcel owned by Nuveen Natural Capital, the current owner for what we used to call Lewis & Clark Timerland. Fortunately, the new ownership has continued to offer a generous public access policy with a free permit. Furthermore, Nuveen maintains a hunting season schedule wherin they open a number of gates for motorized access. We took advantage of this season to make for a nearly driveup, albeit in miserable late fall conditions.
