Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area Trail

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho · 3 min read

Distance
10 mi
Elevation Gain
2,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, a large roadless zone in the southern St. Joe unit
  • Pristine mountain lakes accessible only on foot
  • Old-growth cedar and spruce in the lower canyon
  • Remote and uncrowded even on summer weekends
  • Strong populations of elk, black bear, and bull trout

Overview

The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area contains some of the most remote and pristine terrain in the southern St. Joe unit of Idaho Panhandle National Forests. This 10-mile out-and-back accesses the heart of the roadless zone, passing through old-growth cedar and spruce forest before climbing to mountain lakes at the edge of the high country. Wildlife is abundant: elk, black bear, and bull trout in the streams. Trail traffic is sparse even in peak season.

No permit is required. Dispersed camping is available throughout the area.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Canyon approach. The trail follows a creek drainage upstream from the trailhead, passing through stands of old-growth western red cedar and Engelmann spruce. The creek runs clear and cold. This section is heavily used by elk, and tracks in the muddy streambanks are common.

Miles 3.0 to 6.0: Climbing to the lakes. The trail steepens as the creek narrows and the drainage wall rises on both sides. Transition to subalpine fir and lodgepole pine above 5,000 feet. The first lake comes into view around mile 5.5. The main Mallard Lake is at mile 6.0 and is surrounded by rocky outcrops and subalpine meadow.

The lakes. Mallard Lake sits in a glacially scoured basin with excellent views of the surrounding Pioneer Area ridges. Brook trout and westslope cutthroat are present. The lake's outlet stream provides water for camping and day hiking (treat before drinking).

When to Hike

July and August are the prime months once the approach road opens and snow clears from the upper trail. Wildflowers bloom in the subalpine meadows in late July.

September offers elk bugling season (typically mid-September) and one of the best wildlife viewing windows of the year. The Pioneer Area is a quality backcountry hunting zone from September through October.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for the climb, supplementing from filtered creek water. Bear spray is recommended. Fishing gear is worth packing for the lake section. Layers for the summit area even in summer.

Trailhead Access

From St. Maries, head south on State Highway 3, then follow Forest Road 201 to the trailhead. The gravel road is rough in sections; high-clearance is recommended. Cell service ends at the St. Maries junction. Allow 45 minutes from St. Maries to the trailhead.

Nearby

The St. Joe River Trail provides easy river corridor hiking in the same general area of the forest. For bear country preparedness, review our bear canister requirements guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this pristine Pioneer Area.

Trailhead Parking

Trailhead on Forest Road 201 off State Highway 3, south of St. Maries. Gravel road to trailhead, high-clearance recommended. Small parking area for 8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Idaho Panhandle National Forests

More Trails in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

easy-moderateloop

Bead Lake Trail

4.5 mi350 ft gain
May through October

A 4.5-mile loop around a remote mountain lake in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Newport, with old-growth forest, lakeshore access, and reliable wildlife viewing.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Chimney Rock Trail

9 mi2,800 ft gain
July through September

A strenuous 9-mile out-and-back to a dramatic granite spire in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, with sweeping views of the Cabinet Mountains and the Idaho-Montana border country.

4 min read

moderateout-and-back

Freezeout Ridge Trail

5.5 mi1,500 ft gain
April through November

A 5.5-mile out-and-back to a viewpoint ridge above Lake Coeur d'Alene in the Coeur d'Alene unit of the Idaho Panhandle, with panoramic lake and valley views and accessible terrain.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail

7.8 mi300 ft gain
June through October

A 7.8-mile shoreline hike on the eastern edge of Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhandle, through old-growth western red cedar and hemlock with constant lake views and beach access.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Roman Nose Lakes Trail

8.6 mi2,100 ft gain
July through September

An 8.6-mile out-and-back to a chain of alpine lakes in the Selkirk Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle, with old-growth forest, dramatic rocky terrain, and excellent backcountry fishing.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Selkirk Crest Trail

12 mi2,200 ft gain
July through September

A 12-mile ridgeline traverse in the northern Idaho Panhandle, crossing high meadows and rocky crests with views of Priest Lake, Washington's Pend Oreille Valley, and the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

St. Joe River Trail

6 mi400 ft gain
May through October

A 6-mile out-and-back through old-growth spruce and fir along the upper St. Joe Wild and Scenic River in the Idaho Panhandle, with outstanding fishing access and wildlife viewing.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area?
The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area is a large roadless zone in the southern St. Joe unit of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It covers roughly 150,000 acres of unroaded terrain with multiple mountain lakes, old-growth forest, and some of the best elk habitat in northern Idaho. Pioneer areas are managed to maintain their primitive character without formal wilderness designation, allowing some motorized use in portions of the area.
Is the Mallard-Larkins Trail good for overnight backpacking?
Yes. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Pioneer Area with no permit required. The mountain lakes provide water sources (treat before drinking) and the remote setting makes for excellent multi-night trips. The 10-mile day description here is an out-and-back; backpackers can continue beyond to reach additional lakes and high country. Bring a bear canister or hang food properly; black bears are active throughout the Pioneer Area.
How long does the Mallard-Larkins Trail take?
Most hikers complete the 10-mile out-and-back in 5 to 6 hours with moderate effort. The elevation gain of 2,400 feet is spread across the full distance, making the grade moderate rather than steep. Allow extra time if you plan to fish or explore the lake area at the turnaround. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.