Hidden Montana: Snowshoe Peak
If the scenic, scrappy Cabinets had buffed trails and sat near urban centers, they'd be as busy as New Hampshire's Whites or Colorado's Indian Peaks.
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If the scenic, scrappy Cabinets had buffed trails and sat near urban centers, they’d be as busy as New Hampshire’s Whites or Colorado’s Indian Peaks. Thankfully they have neither, and that makes them perfect for motivated trekkers who don’t mind huffy climbs and off-trail routefinding, like this zesty, airy route our scout found.
The exposed class 3-4 terrain on this route up the northeast ridge of 8,736-foot Snowshoe Peak means only mountaineers with ropes an climbing gear should attempt it. Head in from the Lehigh Lake trailhead; at the lake’s northernmost inlet, aim for the saddle on the northeast ridge. Hikers, check out this tamer option.
MONTANA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION’S FREE TRAIL MAP
HIKE OFF-TRAIL
Trail Facts
- State: MT
- City: Libby
- Distance: 0.0
- Contact: Kootenai NF; (406) 827-3533; fs.usda.gov/kootenai
- Land Type: Wilderness Area
