Hiking the State Line Trail (Idaho/Montana)

Leaving Wilderness Gateway behind, hikers will experience bushwhacking, blowdowns, and oppressive evergreen forests. This part of Idaho is much more similar to the Pacific Northwest and the precipitation patterns are heavier than further south in the state.

Do not be fooled into thinking this section is any different from previous ones because it does not traverse Wilderness Areas. The trail conditions continue to be poor. That being said, there are sections of the State Line Trail that follow 4×4 roads and it makes hiking rather enjoyable.

167 Miles to Resupply

This is the longest stretch of trail between resupply points. I was able to complete it in 8.5 days. Such a long stretch between towns mandates extreme planning when it comes to provisions. It also makes hitting your miles a serious concern, getting stuck in the mountains without food is not fun.

• Bail at Hoodoo Pass

Because you are not in a wilderness area, there is a small dirt road at Hoodoo Pass – 90 miles north of Wilderness Gateway. From here, it is a long hitch into Superior, MT. Traffic is light and you may have to hike most of the way but it is an escape route.

Lack of Water on the State Line Trail

There are stretches of 30 miles without a water source. I was lucky enough to hit this section at the end of June and there was still plenty of snow to melt in order to drink. There are stories of folks drinking their own urine at this section. Be careful with your planning and build in additional miles lakes or rivers if needed.

Windy Creek

Before climbing atop the ridgeline, there is a section of trail that follows Windy Creek. With almost no discernable trails, the hike descends into a meadow of willow trees, tall grasses, and beaver dams. Leave yourself ample time to complete this section.

Kelly Creek

I strongly recommend bushwhacking up Kelly Creek to the State Line Trail. The maintenance is poor but at this point of the hike, you will be an expert in extreme growth conditions.

Mullan and Wallace, Idaho

Mullan, Idaho is not much of a town, lacking a grocery store and even a gas station. I recommend walking or hitching the 5 miles West into Wallace. There you will find lodging and food. For the more ambitious hikers, Coeur d’Alene is about 30 minutes west of Wallace and provides all the amenities of a small city.

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