Big Spar Lake Hike

Boasting scenery and seclusion, the Big Spar Lake Hike is an ideal adventure in the Kootenai National Forest that the whole family can enjoy—year-round. Located at a low altitude, this is one of the few routes in the forest that can be hiked and biked in the summer and snowshoed or skied in the winter months. In addition, much of this path wanders beneath the closed tree canopy, so you will be sheltered from the elements—bonus! Just don’t forget your camera; the scenery is picture-perfect.

Your adventure beings from the southern trailhead off the National Forest Development Road 384. Trekking northeast along the Big Spar Trail, you will almost immediately cross over Pooch Creek before entering into the woodlands. After some hiking, you will pass over Club Creek, nearing the shoreline of Big Spar Lake. Marvel in the grandeur and lusciousness of the cedar grove and marvel at the beauty of the shimmering lake.

You will ultimately reach the shoreline at the northern trailhead. From here, simply turn around and retrace your footing along the shoreline path back to the trailhead.