Idaho Centennial Trail – Episode 9: The Panhandle

This is the final section of the Idaho Centennial Trail and might I saw that the views of Lake Pend Oreille are beautiful. Don’t worry, the bushwhacking improves at this point, you can enjoy a mix of single track, Forest Service, and logging roads. My wife joined me for these last 130 miles and I was happy to be with her again and not have to say goodbye after zero days. We started at Clark Fork and about 3 days later we landed in Naples, Idaho. From there we traveled up to the Selkirk Mountains to Fault Lake, which is a gorgeous hike. At fault lake you will need to take a little bushwhack up to the pass that drops into Hunt lake, but don’t worry, the bushwhack is not that bad, there is open space, and hardly any bushes to cross. As you get into the Hunt Lake cirque you will have to make your way across a boulder field to the bottom of the lake and then you will need to contour (walk) your way to the right of the lake, and then continue on with the boulder scramble following orange flags or spray painted dots on the rocks, until you reach a Forest Service road where you will be able to see Priest Lake. I know this all sounds confusing, but you will understand when you get there.

The Forest Service road that goes to Priest Lake is not bad at all. Keep on the road, some maps will take you on another abandoned road, but we stayed on the road and just followed it down all the way to Priest Lake. From there, you have a paved road walk all the way to Lionhead Campground. Depending on the time of year, this is a popular place for campers, so if you are lucky they might offer you food. From there keep heading north to Upper Priest Lake, it is a little confusing, but there is a trail the whole way, you will figure it out.

From Upper Priest Lake, just follow the ICT all the way to Upper Priest Falls, and then you will be at the end of the Idaho Centennial Trail. It is a little disappointing in my opinion that the trail does not end in Canada, but oh well, you are very very close.

To get back to your car, hitch hiking from priest lake is not bad, there are a lot of cars that pass by. You can also have someone pick you up near the Upper Priest Falls Trailhead, you will just have to come from Nordman.

[marneedearman]

Absolutely wonderful series. I was enthralled!

[LookUp]

I just watched your hike. I can’t believe you completed it and I’m so sad they have not maintained this trail that could be a gem! Great job for sure!

[DJ-ppyg]

I just binged watched your entire trip this early this morning. Congrats on your fortitude.
I had a little bought with Melanoma this season which caused me to cancel some of my adventures. You have motivated me to get back out there next year! Thank you!!

[dejaychef]

Thank you for this series. Very inspirational for us beginners.

[ryanhigley]

You are an inspiration to all Idahoans. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey.

[joelrowbotham]

As someone that’s taken on the last 200 miles of the ICT, my hat goes off to you man. That is an extremely challenging trail

[rgwhittaker]

Amazing, Dan. you did in 52 days what it took me 7 years to finish, and you did it under the worst possible weather and snow and runoff conditions. The feeling was still the same for me reaching Upper Priest Falls, and you captured that well in the video with the flashbacks to the rest of the trail. Your videos will help inspire others for years to come to dream big on the ICT.

[OurMillionAdventures]

So awesome! The emotion of finishing a trail of that magnitude is unforgettable. Congrats, and thanks for sharing the journey!

[profedorfan]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing Dan...what an adventure!

[nathangreer]

So glad I found this! I binged all the episodes in one sitting. This series deserves millions of views. Dude, I am in the Boise area, and if you ever do an "easy" 3 or 4 night trip and need a companion, I'm in! Are you in Twin? We do Independence Lakes every Summer as a long tradition.

[svensden]

Yes!!! This was so awesome to follow and see you do it. Nice job cuz!! Can’t wait to see what’s next

[drockv]

I just watched all 9 episodes... holy shit bud, you are inspiring af. I’m planning a loop trip in western MT this summer, a good portion of which takes the Stateline trail. Your episode for that portion gives me some confidence that the trail is mostly maintained. I’m down for some bushwhacking and blow downs, but nothing like what you went through... nope. Anyway, very impressive and congrats on the accomplishment 🤙

[rodras]

Nice work Dan. That was great to see you push through an incredibly difficult goal.

[MaryannHazel]

Such an amazing adventure in some stunning country. Thanks for being so diligent about filming - even under some pretty crappy conditions. And thanks to your amazing friends, family, and wife for supporting you so we can all sit back and enjoy the show. Definitely an inspiring journey! So...what's next?

[markwilde]

My feet hurt watching every episode. Thanks for sharing the experience on the trail.

[geoast]

Congrats! I've been waiting for your final episode. What an adventure!

[weekender]

Well done. What you put yourself through was truly a amazing experience.

[WaywardWaggs]

You had some really great miles with some really great views. Congrats. That is an awesome accomplishment.

[kswidaho]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

[CheyneMahe]

Truly awesome adventure! I'm sure it has etched in your heart, spirit, and mind so much more than what was shown to us here. I enjoyed your monologues, especially this episode about the "optimistic mind", no truer words. Thank you for bringing me along on this journey with you. To Michelle, my hats off to you as well.
If you come visit Adam, I sure would like to meet you both!