The Potlatch Creek Trail in St. Joe National Forest follows Potlatch Creek through the lower elevation terrain of the Idaho Panhandle, providing an accessible spring and fall hiking option when higher trails in the St. Joe and Kaniksu are snow-covered. The four-mile round trip gains 600 feet on a consistent grade through mixed forest and riparian habitat.
The Potlatch Creek drainage is in the western portion of the St. Joe's administrative territory, closer to the agricultural Palouse region of eastern Washington and northern Idaho than the remote Bitterroot Mountains of the eastern forest.
The Route
The trail follows the creek upstream from the ID-6 trailhead, staying close to the water through the lower section before climbing slightly onto a drier bench in the upper half. The creek is accessible at multiple points for rest stops and wildlife watching. The turnaround at two miles is at a creek bend.
Return on the same trail.
What to Expect
Spring (May through June) and fall (September through October) are the most pleasant seasons. The trail is accessible in early May when most Idaho mountain trails are still buried. The creek runs high in May from snowmelt, creating good scenery and bird activity.
The forest on this trail is a mix of conifer and hardwood typical of the Idaho Panhandle transition zone: ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and cottonwood along the creek bottom.
Nearby
Potlatch, Idaho, is the nearest town with basic services, directly on ID-6. Moscow, about 20 miles south, is the University of Idaho city with full services. The Palouse region's famous rolling wheat hills are visible east of the forest boundary.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The moderate rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout St. Joe National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.