Overview
The Selkirk Crest Trail runs through the most remote and wild portion of Idaho Panhandle National Forests, tracing the high ridge that forms the spine of the Selkirk Mountains along the Idaho-Washington border. At elevations above 6,000 feet for much of its length, the route offers panoramic views across three states while passing through terrain that still shelters grizzly bears, woodland caribou, and wolverine. The 12-mile out-and-back version described here covers the most scenic central section of the crest.
This is serious backcountry. No permit is required, but hikers should carry bear spray and understand grizzly bear awareness before traveling here.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: Forested approach. The trail climbs through Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and mountain hemlock from the trailhead, gaining elevation steadily before reaching the open ridge. Huckleberry and mountain ash line the trail, and old-growth trees appear in the sheltered drainages on the eastern slope. The Salmo-Priest Wilderness boundary is crossed near mile 2.
Miles 2.5 to 5.5: The crest. The trail emerges onto the open ridgeline above treeline. The terrain here is rolling tundra, rocky outcrops, and small snow fields that persist into late July in most years. Views of Priest Lake open to the east, a brilliant blue rectangle in a sea of dark conifers thousands of feet below. The Pend Oreille Valley of Washington stretches to the west. On clear days the Canadian Rockies are visible to the north.
Miles 5.5 to 6.0: Upper meadows. The turnaround point is near a saddle below the highest peak on this section, which requires off-trail scrambling to summit. Most hikers use the saddle as the turnaround for views in all directions. Wildflowers including paintbrush, aster, and lupine bloom through August in the meadows.
When to Hike
Mid-July through August is prime season once snow has cleared from the upper ridgeline. Wildflowers are best in late July and early August. Carry extra layers; the ridge is often cooler and windier than the approach suggests from the valley.
September offers excellent visibility, minimal insect pressure, and the beginning of fall color in the western larch below. The larch turn brilliant gold in mid-October, making the approach forest particularly striking.
Avoid this trail in afternoon thunderstorms. The exposed ridge provides no shelter. Plan to be off the crest by noon when afternoon storms are forecast.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for the full ridgeline section; water sources are limited on the open crest. Bear spray is strongly recommended and should be carried accessible, not buried in a pack. A windproof layer is important even in summer. Sun protection matters at elevation on the open ridge.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is north of Priest Lake, accessible via State Highway 57 north from Nordman, then Forest Road 302. The road is gravel and requires high-clearance for the final miles. Cell service is absent from the SH-57 junction to the trailhead and throughout the hike. Download offline maps and carry a paper USFS map of the Selkirk unit before departing.
Nearby
Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail provides an easy counterpoint to this strenuous ridge route, accessible from the Priest Lake campgrounds. For bear safety resources and food storage requirements, see our bear canister guide. Review checking conditions before you go for fire closures and seasonal road status. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this sensitive wilderness area.