The Idaho Centennial Path is likely one of the most distant long-distance trails within the US. Hikers who sort out this route must be self-reliant, versatile, and decided. These with the grit to finish this path are rewarded with dramatic adjustments in surroundings and a way of accomplishment on the finish.
Fast Info
- Distance: 996 miles
- Days Wanted: 6-9 weeks
- Peak Elevation: 9,170 ft at Willow Creek Summit
- Low Elevation: 1,900 ft alongside the Selway River
- Permits: None
- Issue: Very Troublesome
Highlights
- Solitude
- Considerable wildlife
- Limitless potentialities for alternate routes
- Each mountains and desert in a shorter thru-hike
- Mountain climbing alongside the Salmon, Selway, and Snake rivers is a singular expertise
- Darkish evening skies for stargazing
- Unbelievable ridge views
Lowlights
- Mosquitoes
- Many miles should not maintained, which makes for sluggish progress
- Lack of expertise on circumstances
- Logistics are tough at instances
- Meals should be flown into the Selway and Frank
- Lengthy water carries or caches are crucial within the Owyhee
- Time zone adjustments may be complicated on the State Line Path and the Salmon River
Finest Time to Hike
Like many mountainous and northern latitude thru-hikes, the Idaho Centennial Path (ICT) is finest tackled in the summertime when the excessive peaks are freed from snow. Not like extra well-liked routes, such because the Colorado Path or Lengthy Path, a part of this thru-hike is within the desert, which may make timing a bit more difficult.
Many thru-hikers try to finish the desert portion by mid-June, which can also be when the Sawtooths turn into satisfactory. Heading southbound, the Owynee can nonetheless be fairly sizzling by August. On the finish of the day, some compromise will possible be wanted, and hikers will both must plan for sections, hope for favorable climate, or simply take care of the circumstances through the use of applicable gear.
Issue of Path
Although it’s named the Idaho Centennial “Path”, in actuality, the ICT is extra of a route or path idea. Most of the trails are overgrown or non-existent. The distant nature of central Idaho results in lengthy distances between resupplies, and the circumstances are fairly rugged at instances. Potential hikers must be versatile and have the required abilities to sort out this route safely.
For all of those causes, outlined in additional element beneath, it’s considerably harder than any of the Triple Crown trails or different well-liked thru-hikes.
ROUTE FINDING
Not like extra well-liked thru-hikes, the Idaho Centennial Path just isn’t a completely blazed route. There may be not a FarOut app or a particular map set for this path. As a substitute, hikers might want to buy their very own paper maps for the quadrants that embrace the paths the ICT makes use of, obtain a GPX file to a GPS app comparable to GAIA GPS, or a mixture of each. Whereas there are some ICT markers within the Owhyee desert, most path junctions should not marked. Hikers want to concentrate to the place they’re going, perceive the right way to learn the panorama, and be capable to make navigation selections each single day.
The opposite route-finding piece that’s completely different from different long-distance hikes is the standard of the paths. There are various locations the place the paths the ICT follows haven’t been cleared or maintained for a while. That is very true within the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness areas. The paths are brushy with many downed timber, and the path tread could not even exist in some locations. These circumstances are sluggish to hike in when resupplies are already few and much between. Many thru-hikers select to reroute to roads or better-maintained trails when wanted.
REMOTENESS
One of many unbelievable options of the ICT is how far some sections are from the closest city. This additionally implies that hikers must be way more self-reliant and actually perceive their limitations to remain secure. Many sections would require a number of hours of hitchhiking on filth roads to succeed in the closest city. A lot of these cities are extremely small and wouldn’t have many facilities to assist out a hiker.
Whereas all the route is way more distant than a typical thru-hike, two sections actually stand out. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness are giant swaths of protected land which might be adjoining to one another. Collectively, they make up an enormous space in central Idaho that’s distant from any city of any measurement. For reference, it’s regular to hike nearly 300 miles with out resupplying in any cities on this part. Hikers usually must have their meals flown into Forest Service guard stations or delivered to personal landowners with an airstrip on their property. There are bailout factors and reroute choices, however even these roads are usually removed from any cities.
One other part to plan for is the Owyhee Desert between the Nevada border and I-84. The route right here primarily follows double tracks and filth roads. It’s doable to discover a journey by mountaineering out to the principle filth highway to the east, however the nature of mountaineering in a waterless desert makes this part severe. It might take nicely over one to 2 hours to get assist by automotive in some areas, so care is required to remain secure.
WATER ACCESS & SUN EXPOSURE
Apart from probably the most northern part of the path, which is technically a part of the Pacific Northwest, a lot of the path is arid and dry. There are lengthy waterless sections on the 100-mile State Line Path along with the Owyhee Desert. Most water carries max out at about 20 miles on the State Line part, although it may be sizzling in the summertime. Within the Owyhee desert, most hikers cache water as in any other case there’s a 30+ mile and a 55-mile lengthy stretch with out easy accessibility to water. A 4×4 car or filth bike is required to cache water on this part.
The warmth also can present an enormous problem throughout a thru-hike. Temperatures within the Owyhee and on the Columbia Plateau can attain into the higher 90s even in late August. There may be little shade, simply occasional swaths of sagebrush. Most hikers attempt to sort out this part in early June when it’s barely cooler. Some even will hike this space earlier within the season, then end the remainder of the path in the summertime. Temperatures will also be within the 80s within the northern components of the state. The elevation alongside the Salmon River is sort of low, and there are lots of burn areas that may warmth up shortly. With correct planning and good warmth tolerance, these sections are nonetheless fulfilling.
LIMITED OUTSIDE RESOURCES
Although the ICT was first established in 1990, few folks have efficiently accomplished end-to-end thru-hikes. Whereas it’s onerous to search out precise estimates on the variety of completers, it’s secure to say that even with its current progress in reputation, only some folks full it every year. Many individuals do sort out sections, significantly native Idahoans, however because of the decrease degree of curiosity on this path, there are fewer planning assets and on-trail help. There’s a Fb web page devoted to the ICT the place these curious in regards to the path can get their questions answered, and a guidebook was launched in 2023. Idaho State Parks and Recreation also can assist to reply questions and has some planning assets on their web site, together with overview maps and a few primary planning data.
Potential hikers ought to be aware there’s not a longtime path tradition or help community for thru-hikers. Whereas folks in Idaho are usually pleasant and hitchhiking isn’t a problem, any path magic will probably be spontaneous from people who find themselves genuinely involved about your well-being because of not figuring out a lot in regards to the route. Don’t anticipate finding hiker reductions, water caches, or hostels whereas mountaineering the ICT.
WILDFIRES
Whereas a lot of the West is liable to wildfires, they’ll shortly derail an Idaho Centennial Path hike. Central Idaho, specifically, is liable to devastating wildfires because of the decrease elevations and arid local weather alongside the rivers. As soon as a hearth begins, they’re tough to combat because of the distant nature of the realm and rugged terrain.
Nevertheless, fires can begin just about wherever alongside the path. It’s good to be diligent when mountaineering and look ahead to smoke. Carrying a satellite tv for pc messaging machine is useful to get updates on the standing of fireplace circumstances when mountaineering within the Selway and Frank wilderness areas. Be ready to reroute if crucial with the intention to keep away from hearth closures.
NORTHBOUND VS. SOUTHBOUND
As with all long-distance hike, these trying to thru-hike must plan correctly for the time and funds crucial to finish a 1,000-mile path.
Although most skilled thru-hikers and Idahoans advocate mountaineering the ICT NOBO, relying on the 12 months, SOBO could be a greater choice. Typically talking, fires and snowpack are the principle causes for selecting a NOBO thru-hike. By mountaineering the desert first, thru-hikers can choose an earlier begin date. An earlier begin date interprets to ending the path earlier within the hearth season.
The draw back is that the Sawtooths should be lined in snow by the point most hikers get there. We hiked the ICT southbound and have been lucky to solely encounter two fires and no snow. Nevertheless, this isn’t sometimes the norm, and our expertise within the Owyhee was a lot hotter consequently.
Getting There
Each the northern and southern termini are pretty distant and may take a while to succeed in.
SOUTHERN TERMINUS
The southern terminus of the ICT is situated on the Idaho-Nevada border about two miles east of Murphy Scorching Springs, ID. Murphy Scorching Springs is a small unincorporated group situated on the Bruneau River, and each the group and terminus are roughly three and a half hours from Boise. There are various miles of filth highway to drive on the best way, and hitchhiking to this terminus can be tough. Most thru-hikers organize a shuttle with household, mates, or by posting on the ICT Fb group.
NORTHERN TERMINUS
The ICT formally ends at American Falls, which is a few half mile south of the Canadian border within the panhandle. There’s a trailhead with a bear field about eight miles from the falls, however the drive to the trailhead is lengthy. In complete, the drive from the trailhead to Spokane is about three hours. Just like the southern terminus, most hikers organize a shuttle by household, mates, and path angels. We had success hitchhiking, however it may be robust to hitchhike round Spokane.
-Planning Your Itinerary (any useful resource suggestions, i.e., apps, web sites, books, in addition to a particular itinerary define if there are consensus finest campsites or finest routes)
Assets are restricted in comparison with different long-distance hikes, however can be found with sufficient looking out! The Idaho Division of Parks and Recreation web site is a superb place to begin for common data and planning. We now have additionally discovered the Idaho Centennial Path Updates and Info group on Fb to be fairly useful. There are different web sites with helpful data that may be discovered with sufficient digging, together with a web page that outlines the place to ship packages for the distant wilderness sections. A brand new guidebook was revealed in 2023 and is obtainable on Amazon and at REI.
As for maps, there is no such thing as a FarOut app for this path. A GPS app comparable to GAIA, OnX, or CalTopo is a good suggestion because of the terrain. Idaho Parks and Rec has a GPX file that may be downloaded from their web site and uploaded into your navigation app of selection. Paper maps are additionally a good suggestion on this route, not less than as a backup. The Nationwide Geographic Sawtooth Wilderness Map and the Cairn Cartographics Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Maps are waterproof and supply good element. The Benchmark Street & Recreation Atlases present an excellent, large-scale overview at an affordable worth and are additionally helpful for caching meals or water.
Wildlife
A variety of wildlife is discovered throughout Idaho because of the range of terrain and elevation. Hikers must be ready to come across Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Wolves, Mountain Lions, Moose, Deer, Elk, Coyotes, Rattlesnakes, and so forth. Grizzly Bears are much less widespread in Idaho than in neighboring Canada or Glacier Nationwide Park, however it’s nonetheless advised to take precautions by carrying bear spray and storing meals correctly from the Sawtooths north to the terminus.
We have been stunned on the variety of rattlesnakes – they’re quite common alongside the Selway and Salmon rivers because of the decrease elevations in these areas. In fact, they are often discovered within the Owyhee Desert as nicely. Most different animals generally encountered are skittish or are tired of people when given correct house.
Mosquitoes are the principle bug concern in Idaho. There are some locations the place they’re fairly aggressive, however many locations the place there are few, if any. Typically, picaridin lotion or a completely enclosed tent will probably be sufficient to remain sane. We didn’t discover any issues with ticks on this hike, although there could also be extra of them in June. Probably the most fascinating bug present in Idaho is the Mormon Cricket, which can expertise inhabitants booms or surges. Throughout these surges, they are often present in nice numbers within the Owyhee Desert, masking the bottom and turning into a hazard for drivers and cyclists alike.
The place to Resupply
One of the vital distinctive points of an ICT thru-hike is having meals flown into the backcountry touchdown strips within the Frank Church and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Areas. As a result of the path by these sections is so distant and lengthy, most thru-hikers will need to have their meals flown in. There are a number of Guard Stations run by the Forest Service that may settle for and maintain packages, in addition to some non-public landowners who’re supportive of ICT thru-hikers.
The US Postal Service contracts with native pilots to ship mail to those distant touchdown strips. Because of this for many places, it’s comparatively reasonably priced to ship a resupply field. Simply mail your package deal by your native submit workplace and pay the common package deal payment.
That mentioned, permission from the landowners is required earlier than any bins may be despatched. When permission is granted, the airstrip house owners will present the suitable mailing handle. We additionally counsel contacting Smith Air for extra data, as they ship the packages on this space or can direct you to a greater useful resource.
Resupply choices are restricted on the ICT, so pre-planning not less than half, if not all, resupplies will probably be crucial. Most of the cities alongside the Idaho Centennial Path have submit workplaces that may maintain common supply packages. Most postal employees are even conversant in hikers. Particular consideration is required to resupply within the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness areas. Listed below are a number of the widespread resupply places to think about, although not each hiker will resupply at each location.
*Observe: All miles are approximate because of the choose-your-own journey model of this path.
HAMMETT (NOBO ~MILE 100)
As an unincorporated group, there should not many facilities on this small city. Nevertheless, it does have a submit workplace, which implies that meals may be despatched right here to shorten the carry to or from the border. Hammett is situated simply off I-84, and the official route passes proper by the group.
Don’t Miss: Put up workplace, Lulu’s Cafe
MOUNTAIN HOME (NOBO ~MILE 130)
This cease would require a hitch into city, nevertheless it’s a straight shot on US HWY-20 from the ICT. Mountain House is a full-service city with a number of grocery shops, motels, and facilities. The city is a bit unfold out, however it’s surprisingly pedestrian-friendly due to plentiful sidewalks. We stayed on the Gem State RV park, however there are additionally motels and motels all through city and alongside the interstate. Be certain to go to Lumpia Xpress to take your image subsequent to the Mountain Residence mural and order some tasty Filipino meals earlier than leaving city.
Don’t Miss: Lumpia Xpress, Grocery Outlet
STANLEY (NOBO ~MILE 260)
Stanley sits simply outdoors the Sawtooths and, as such, is well-liked with vacationers regardless of its small measurement. The city contains just a few tourist-focused eating places, lodges, and guiding companies. Sending a package deal to the submit workplace right here is a good suggestion, because the meals choice is each restricted and costly on the Mountain Village Mercantile. If the motels are booked out because of summer season guests, strive asking on the Mountain Village Resort about dry tenting. Be able to spend a reasonably penny on eating out, although it’s price it to gas up earlier than or after tackling the Frank.
Don’t Miss: Put up workplace, Mountain Village Scorching Springs, Mountain Village Mercantile, Stanley Baking Firm
INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION (NOBO ~MILE 308)
One among a number of fly-in resupply choices, the Indian Creek Guard Station is situated proper on the Idaho Centennial Path and the Center Fork of the Salmon. It’s manned by the Forest Service, and permission is required earlier than sending a package deal right here. There may be tenting alongside the river and a water spigot, however no different facilities. This air strip may be well-liked with raft guiding corporations for tenting and typically for flying into the Frank if there are hazards up river. Mail is delivered as soon as per week, so plan accordingly.
Don’t Miss: Nice tenting proper alongside the Center Fork of the Salmon River!
CAMPBELL’S FERRY (NOBO ~MILE 408)
This property is a part of the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and was initially an vital ferry crossing on the Salmon River. Right now, it’s privately owned, and there’s a hiker bridge simply outdoors the property. There are not any roads that attain this location: all provides are flown into the airstrip. Permission will must be attained to ship a field right here, although the house owners have traditionally been pleasant to thru-hikers.
MOOSE CREEK RANGER STATION (NOBO ~MILE 488)
It’s doable to have a resupply field flown into the Moose Creek Guard Station, managed by the Forest Service. The largest hurdles are getting permission and discovering somebody to ship the package deal with out it costing an arm and a leg. Smith Air doesn’t usually take mail this far out from Cascade, so do your analysis if you happen to plan to make use of this location.
KOOSKIA, ID / MISSOULA, MT (NOBO ~MILE 540)
The ICT crosses US HWY-12 on the Wilderness Gateway Campground. Sadly, that location is sort of a means from each Kooskia and Missoula, with restricted visitors on the freeway. It may be a tough hitch, however doable with some persistence. Hikers have the selection of both heading west to the small city of Kooskia or east to Missoula. There are extra facilities in Montana, however it’s additional away and could also be harder to discover a journey again to the path.
SUPERIOR, MT (NOBO ~MILE 630)
These trying to shorten the carry between Freeway 12 and Mullan ought to contemplate hitching into Superior, MT. A lot of the journey can be on filth roads, however Missoula Lake is a well-liked vacation spot, so it’s doable to get a journey with some persistence. Like most of the resupply cities alongside the ICT, Superior is small with a inhabitants beneath 1,000. There are simply sufficient facilities to make it a worthwhile cease, comparable to a motel, grocery retailer, submit workplace, and restaurant.
Don’t Miss: Massive Sky Motel, Darlow’s Ace {Hardware} (grocery), River Facet Soups & Sandz
MULLAN (NOBO ~MILE 700)
The postmaster on the submit workplace in Mullan could be very hiker pleasant, and the pavilion on the park is a superb place to regroup, each good issues as this city doesn’t have many facilities. Sending a field is a good suggestion, as the one different choice is the comfort retailer. We liked the outside seating and pleasant workers on the Outlaw Bar and Grill. Nevertheless, there should not any motels on this city, so be ready to strive for a hitch on the interstate or simply hike out and in of city on the identical day.
Don’t Miss: Outlaw Bar and Grill, submit workplace
CLARK FORK (NOBO ~MILE 780)
One other small city, Clark Fork, has a small unbiased grocery retailer, submit workplace, just a few eating places, and a motel. There may be sufficient choice to resupply on the Monarch Market or Clark Fork Pantry, however for hikers who want extra facilities, it could be a good suggestion to hitch to Sandpoint, which is a full-service city.
Don’t Miss: Monarch Market, Clark Fork Pantry, Rocco’s
SANDPOINT (NOBO ~MILE 780 VIA ID 200 or ~MILE 840 VIA HWY 2)
ICT hikers can hitch into Sandpoint from both State Route 200 or US Freeway 2. Virtually something a hiker may need is obtainable on this city, together with field shops, breweries, and motels. Strolling between stops can take some time, although there’s a native bus system that’s free to make use of.
Don’t Miss: Hoot Owl Cafe, Joel’s, MickDuff’s Brewery
NAPLES (NOBO ~MILE 840)
The primary or last cease, relying on which route you hike, Naples is an extremely small although doable resupply choice. There’s a Normal Retailer which has each meals on the market and a small submit workplace within the again the place packages may be despatched. Subsequent door is the Northwoods Tavern for a sizzling meal. There are not any motels on the town, however the Blue Lake RV Resort, only a mile up the freeway, gives tent tenting and could be very pleasant to hikers. These needing extra meals and lodging choices could need to hitch to Sandpoint.
Don’t Miss: Naples Normal Retailer, Blue Lake RV Resort
Gear Listing
Be certain to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t overlook one thing vital.
Beneath you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see further choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of intensive analysis and hands-on testing by our crew of outside specialists.
BACKPACK
Conclusion
The Idaho Centennial Path is a rugged long-distance journey that requires a good quantity of planning and luxury within the backcountry. However for many who love solitude and pure magnificence, the ICT is one among our favourite backcountry adventures.
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