Katka Peak Trail
Beginning on a nice, flat bench on the ridgetop, Katka Peak Trail No. 182 makes a brief steep pitch up to another broad, flat bench before skirting around the south side of Clifty Mountain. But one must make the easy ascent to the beak by simply climbing the relatively gentle slope from the west on a well-marked spur trail. The views from the top are magnificent up the Kootenai Valley and into the Purcell Mountains. Look for the towering summits of the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area to the northeast. The trail continues, mostly following the ridgeline up and over some minor knobs for another four miles out to Katka Pass. Trail 182 enters the pass, then swings out around the pleasantly open south slopes of Katka to a spur trail that climbs up the ridge from the east to the summit of Katka Peak, with its additional spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Details: 2 miles to Clifty Mountain; 6 miles to Katka Peak. Moderate difficulty.
Directions: From Highway 95 about seven miles south of Bonners Ferry, turn east onto Twentymile Creek Road 408. After about 10 miles on Forest Road No. 408 turn onto Road No. 274 for another four miles.
More information:
Map to trailhead