Sandpoint, ID

Ever had one of those weeks where work seems to be more than you want to handle, and nothing seems quite to be going your way? That was my week for sure, what I needed was a recharge and fast. And I found the perfect place for exactly what I needed. Moments away from virtually anywhere in Sandpoint, Mickinnick is the perfect trail for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without having to fill your gas tank to get there.
My first priority upon reaching the trailhead was to shut off my cell phone, the last thing I wanted to do is let my quite stroll through the woods be interrupted by any unwanted calls. The park sign at the trailhead says the 3.5-mile trail (one way) is considered difficult and has over 2150 feet of climbing. Okay so my stroll was going to be a little more than a walk in the park, but I have never been one to walk away from a challenge.

The trail starts out in a meadow that leads into a nice canopy of towering pines and at this point I forgot all about the sign as my mind cleared and my soul absorbed the beauty all around me, the wildlife and sounds of nature completely taking over your focus. By the time I started to pay attention to what I was doing I looked up to see the trail really start. Before me was a very steep rock ascent that seemed to go on forever and honestly I looked for the rope that I expected to be there to help you out (okay so it’s not quite that bad as long as you don’t mind a 60 degree incline). I quickly went up the trail and while it was a workout, I figured it would level off pretty soon. After about 20 minutes of steady climbing you see the first fruits of your reward. Two park benches with a breathtaking view of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille.

I only paused here for a moment because if the view was this good, how good would it be up higher… I started picking up the pace as I enjoyed the hard climb savoring the nature that surrounds me. Not long after the first view area I ran into another several hundred feet higher and the view was even more breathtaking which just seemed to be pushing me on even faster, wanting to get to the top and see it from there. At this point of the trip after almost every switchback you are treated to another shot of the landscape below you through natural breaks in the trees.

After about 45 minutes of this came my least favorite part of the trip, I call them hillocks. What they are, are enthusiasm killers. You look up and it looks like the top, so you scurry up the rocky steep path anticipating the beautiful view and the end of a strenuous climb to find the trail heading away and another hill to climb. This went on for about ten hills or so. Each hill you crest you think you have made it, just to find out there’s another one left.

Finally you finish those and the trail curves around the last hill and leads you to a beautiful mountain valley with flowers and running water everywhere and for at least a little while you are walking mostly on flat ground. And where all I could see ahead of me is another hill rising up the sights around me took my mind off that for a time.

Before one and a half hours was up I came up to a rocky outcropping where the trail just ends, there are a few benches around to enjoy the view, and what a view it is. It seems like you can see for hundreds of miles, and maybe you can. The day I hit the top it was slightly overcast with the sun peaking through which made it perfect for the hike. As I stood at the edge of the rock outcropping I noticed something that I felt was very ironic. The rocky outcropping almost makes a finger pointing out, and following the direction it points right to where you started. So after all that work the very pinnacle of your climb shows you where you started. I laughed at this and realized unfortunately that is the direction I must go, back to the real world of never ending work and ringing cell phones. I cinched up the camelback and started back down the hill enjoying once again all the sights the trail had to offer, this time though instead of working to head up the hill you have to work to keep from rolling down the hill.

After making it off the hill and back to my car I take a moment and realize how much better I feel, if nothing else having that good worn out feeling, the kind that makes you feel like you accomplished something. And my last thought as I drive away is…. I can’t wait to do it again.

Directions to your escape from the crazy bustle of the world:

From Sandpoint, take Hwy. 95 north 1.3 miles to Schweitzer Mountain Road; turn left and go 0.5 miles; turn right and go 0.8 miles; turn left (at Schweitzer Sign) and go 0.5 miles to Woodland Drive; turn left and go 0.7 miles. The trailhead parking area is located on the right.