The Idaho Centennial Path is likely one of the most distant long-distance trails within the US. Hikers who sort out this route have to 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
- Plentiful wildlife
- Infinite potentialities for alternate routes
- Each mountains and desert in a shorter thru-hike
- Mountain climbing alongside the Salmon, Selway, and Snake rivers is a novel expertise
- Darkish evening skies for stargazing
- Unbelievable ridge views
Lowlights
- Mosquitoes
- Many miles will not be maintained, which makes for sluggish progress
- Lack of know-how on circumstances
- Logistics are troublesome at instances
- Meals should be flown into the Selway and Frank
- Lengthy water carries or caches are obligatory within the Owyhee
- Time zone adjustments might be complicated on the State Line Path and the Salmon River
Greatest Time to Hike
Like many mountainous and northern latitude thru-hikes, the Idaho Centennial Path (ICT) is greatest tackled in the summertime when the excessive peaks are freed from snow. In contrast to extra standard 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 be when the Sawtooths develop into satisfactory. Heading southbound, the Owynee can nonetheless be fairly sizzling by means of August. On the finish of the day, some compromise will seemingly be wanted, and hikers will both must plan for sections, hope for favorable climate, or simply cope with the circumstances by utilizing acceptable gear.
Issue of Path
Although it’s named the Idaho Centennial “Path”, in actuality, the ICT is extra of a route or path idea. Lots 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 have to be versatile and have the mandatory abilities to sort out this route safely.
For all of those causes, outlined in additional element beneath, it’s considerably tougher than any of the Triple Crown trails or different standard thru-hikes.
ROUTE FINDING
In contrast to extra standard thru-hikes, the Idaho Centennial Path shouldn’t be a totally 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 embody the paths the ICT makes use of, obtain a GPX file to a GPS app resembling GAIA GPS, or a mixture of each. Whereas there are some ICT markers within the Owhyee desert, most path junctions will not be marked. Hikers want to concentrate to the place they’re going, perceive find out how to learn the panorama, and be capable to make navigation choices 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 lots of 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 bushes, and the path tread might 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 unimaginable options of the ICT is how far some sections are from the closest city. This additionally implies that hikers have to be way more self-reliant and actually perceive their limitations to remain protected. Many sections would require a number of hours of hitchhiking on filth roads to succeed in the closest city. Lots 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 massive 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 dimension. For reference, it’s regular to hike virtually 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 potential to discover a trip by mountain climbing out to the principle filth highway to the east, however the nature of mountain climbing in a waterless desert makes this part severe. It may take nicely over one to 2 hours to get assist by automobile in some areas, so care is required to remain protected.
WATER ACCESS & SUN EXPOSURE
Other than essentially 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 automobile or filth bike is required to cache water on this part.
The warmth can even 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 can be within the 80s within the northern elements of the state. The elevation alongside the Salmon River is sort of low, and there are a lot of burn areas that may warmth up rapidly. With correct planning and good warmth tolerance, these sections are nonetheless pleasant.
LIMITED OUTSIDE RESOURCES
Although the ICT was first established in 1990, few folks have efficiently accomplished end-to-end thru-hikes. Whereas it’s laborious to search out precise estimates on the variety of completers, it’s protected to say that even with its current progress in reputation, just a few folks full it annually. Many individuals do sort out sections, significantly native Idahoans, however as a result of 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 concerning the path can get their questions answered, and a guidebook was launched in 2023. Idaho State Parks and Recreation can even 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 word 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 difficulty, any path magic can be spontaneous from people who find themselves genuinely involved about your well-being because of not understanding a lot concerning the route. Don’t anticipate finding hiker reductions, water caches, or hostels whereas mountain climbing the ICT.
WILDFIRES
Whereas a lot of the West is susceptible to wildfires, they’ll rapidly derail an Idaho Centennial Path hike. Central Idaho, particularly, is susceptible to devastating wildfires as a result of decrease elevations and arid local weather alongside the rivers. As soon as a fireplace begins, they’re troublesome to battle as a result of distant nature of the world and rugged terrain.
Nevertheless, fires can begin just about wherever alongside the path. It’s good to be diligent when mountain climbing and look ahead to smoke. Carrying a satellite tv for pc messaging gadget is useful to get updates on the standing of fireside circumstances when mountain climbing within the Selway and Frank wilderness areas. Be ready to reroute if obligatory with the intention to keep away from hearth closures.
NORTHBOUND VS. SOUTHBOUND
As with every long-distance hike, these seeking to thru-hike must plan correctly for the time and funds obligatory to finish a 1,000-mile path.
Although most skilled thru-hikers and Idahoans advocate mountain climbing the ICT NOBO, relying on the yr, SOBO is likely to be a greater choice. Typically talking, fires and snowpack are the principle causes for selecting a NOBO thru-hike. By mountain climbing the desert first, thru-hikers can decide 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 still 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 because of this.
Getting There
Each the northern and southern termini are pretty distant and might take a while to succeed in.
SOUTHERN TERMINUS
The southern terminus of the ICT is positioned on the Idaho-Nevada border about two miles east of Murphy Sizzling Springs, ID. Murphy Sizzling Springs is a small unincorporated group positioned on the Bruneau River, and each the group and terminus are roughly three and a half hours from Boise. There are lots of miles of filth highway to drive on the best way, and hitchhiking to this terminus could be troublesome. Most thru-hikers prepare a shuttle with household, buddies, or by posting on the ICT Fb group.
NORTHERN TERMINUS
The ICT formally ends at American Falls, which is a couple of 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 prepare a shuttle by means of household, buddies, 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 greatest campsites or greatest 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 basic data and planning. Now we 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 printed 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 resembling GAIA, OnX, or CalTopo is a good suggestion as a result of 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, a minimum of 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 Highway & Recreation Atlases present a superb, large-scale overview at an inexpensive value and are additionally helpful for caching meals or water.
Wildlife
A variety of wildlife is discovered throughout Idaho as a result of range of terrain and elevation. Hikers needs to 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 frequent in Idaho than in neighboring Canada or Glacier Nationwide Park, however it’s nonetheless instructed to take precautions by carrying bear spray and storing meals correctly from the Sawtooths north to the terminus.
We have been shocked on the variety of rattlesnakes – they’re quite common alongside the Selway and Salmon rivers as a result of decrease elevations in these areas. After all, they are often discovered within the Owyhee Desert as nicely. Most different animals generally encountered are skittish or are bored with 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 totally enclosed tent can 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. Essentially the most attention-grabbing 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, overlaying the bottom and changing into a hazard for drivers and cyclists alike.
The place to Resupply
One of the distinctive elements 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 means of these sections is so distant and lengthy, most thru-hikers should have their meals flown in. There are a number of Guard Stations run by the Forest Service that can settle for and maintain packages, in addition to some personal landowners who’re supportive of ICT thru-hikers.
The USA 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 means of your native put up workplace and pay the common package deal price.
That stated, permission from the landowners is required earlier than any containers might be despatched. When permission is granted, the airstrip house owners will present the suitable mailing tackle. 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 a minimum of half, if not all, resupplies can be obligatory. Lots of the cities alongside the Idaho Centennial Path have put up workplaces that can maintain basic supply packages. Most postal staff are even acquainted with hikers. Particular consideration is required to resupply within the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness areas. Listed here are a number of the frequent resupply places to think about, although not each hiker will resupply at each location.
*Be aware: All miles are approximate as a result of choose-your-own journey type of this path.
HAMMETT (NOBO ~MILE 100)
As an unincorporated group, there will not be many facilities on this small city. Nevertheless, it does have a put up workplace, which implies that meals might be despatched right here to shorten the carry to or from the border. Hammett is positioned simply off I-84, and the official route passes proper by means of the group.
Don’t Miss: Submit 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 resorts and motels all through city and alongside the interstate. Be certain that 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 exterior the Sawtooths and, as such, is standard with vacationers regardless of its small dimension. The city includes just a few tourist-focused eating places, lodges, and guiding providers. Sending a package deal to the put up workplace right here is a good suggestion, because the meals choice is each restricted and costly on the Mountain Village Mercantile. If the resorts are booked out because of summer season guests, attempt asking on the Mountain Village Resort about dry tenting. Be able to spend a reasonably penny on eating out, although it’s value it to gasoline up earlier than or after tackling the Frank.
Don’t Miss: Submit workplace, Mountain Village Sizzling Springs, Mountain Village Mercantile, Stanley Baking Firm
INDIAN CREEK GUARD STATION (NOBO ~MILE 308)
One in every of a number of fly-in resupply choices, the Indian Creek Guard Station is positioned 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 might be standard 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 necessary ferry crossing on the Salmon River. At the moment, it’s privately owned, and there’s a hiker bridge simply exterior the property. There aren’t any roads that attain this location: all provides are flown into the airstrip. Permission will have to 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 potential to have a resupply field flown into the Moose Creek Guard Station, managed by the Forest Service. The most important 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 should you 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 method from each Kooskia and Missoula, with restricted visitors on the freeway. It may be a troublesome hitch, however doable with some endurance. 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 tougher to discover a trip again to the path.
SUPERIOR, MT (NOBO ~MILE 630)
These seeking to shorten the carry between Freeway 12 and Mullan ought to contemplate hitching into Superior, MT. A lot of the trip could be on filth roads, however Missoula Lake is a well-liked vacation spot, so it’s potential to get a trip with some endurance. 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, resembling a motel, grocery retailer, put up 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 put up 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 employees on the Outlaw Bar and Grill. Nevertheless, there will not be any motels on this city, so be ready to attempt 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, put up workplace
CLARK FORK (NOBO ~MILE 780)
One other small city, Clark Fork, has a small impartial grocery retailer, put up 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 is likely to 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. Nearly something a hiker may need is obtainable on this city, together with field shops, breweries, and resorts. 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 remaining cease, relying on which course you hike, Naples is an extremely small although doable resupply choice. There’s a Common Retailer which has each meals on the market and a small put up workplace within the again the place packages might be despatched. Subsequent door is the Northwoods Tavern for a sizzling meal. There aren’t any resorts on the town, however the Blue Lake RV Resort, only a mile up the freeway, affords tent tenting and could be very pleasant to hikers. These needing extra meals and lodging choices might need to hitch to Sandpoint.
Don’t Miss: Naples Common Retailer, Blue Lake RV Resort
Gear Checklist
Be certain that to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t overlook one thing necessary.
Beneath you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see extra choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our staff of out of doors consultants.
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 in every of our favourite backcountry adventures.
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