Haystack-Stormy Peak #176

This single track trail goes for approximately 8 miles from the Haystack Mountain area to Stormy Peak Lookout. The trail varies in elevation between 7,800 feet and 8,800 feet with several climbs and descents. The first part of the trail is on constructed double track which is closed to motor vehicles. The vast majority of the trail is single track. The trail mostly follows a ridge top in lodge pole pine and Douglas-fir timber. There are good views of the Salmon River Country from natural openings along the trail. The mountain pine beetle has caused mortality in lots of lodge pole pine trees so there may be deadfall across the trail. This is a great out and back ride or you might be able to link it with the Virginia Gulch Trail for a shuttle ride ending up at Shoup, Idaho. That would increase the skill level of the ride to difficult. The Stormy Peak Lookout at the end of this trail segment was last active in the decade of the 1990's.

Access Info

The eastern end of the trail is accessed from the Salmon Fairgrounds road to the 023 Stormy Peak Road to the 300 road to the 061 road to the trailhead near Haystack Mountain. The trailhead is approximately 15 air line miles north west of Salmon, Idaho. The distance is farther via the curvy road. A Salmon-Challis National Forest travel map and forest visitor map would be handy to find the trailhead.