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Lightning Ridge Trail

Contact Info
Boise National Forest
7259 State Hwy. 21
Lowman, ID 83637

Phone:
208-259-3361
Basics
Length:
13.2 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
5 - 6 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
5440 feet
Elevation Range:
4560 feet to 5440 feet
Elevation Change:
-880 feet
Season:
June to October

Description

As the trail ascends Lightning Ridge, it provides views of Scott Mountain, Garden Valley, Crouch, and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Short stretches of this trail are steep, rocky, and boggy. Lightning Ridge trailhead, off of FS Rd 572, is marked with a registration box. It begins a gradual ascent paralleling the Trail Creek drainage for a quarter of a mile before crossing Daisy Creek. Recreationists should take caution when crossing Daisy Creek in he spring and early summer months. The trail continues gradually for a short distance before climbing sharply up the drainage for several miles to an open meadow at 6500 ft. in elevation. At the meadow, the trail climbs another steep ascent to Lightning Ridge. From the south end of Deadwood Reservoir, the first 5 miles of trail are open only to non-motorized traffic from October 1 to June 30. From road 611, the first 7 miles are open to non-motorized use yearlong.

Details

Length:
13.2 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
5 - 6 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
5440
Elevation Range:
4560 feet to 5440
Elevation Change:
-880
Season:
June to October
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Boiling Springs;Deadwood Reservoir;Lightning Ridge;Pyle Creek
Additional Details:

Since many of the creeks may be dry by mid-summer, carry a day’s supply of safe drinking water. The recommended amount is one gallon per person, per day.

Treat stream water - Giardia is a serious water borne disease. Use a water filter that will screen for Giardia or boil all water for three minutes.

Every visitor shares the responsibility to keep the backcountry unspoiled and beautiful. Pack out what you pack in. For more information on minimum impact camping visit lnt.org.

Expect to meet other hikers, stock users, mountain bikers, and motorcyclists at your destination, especially during the weekend periods.

Wildfire is always a concern. Keep campfires well contained and never leave a campfire unattended. Extinguish all smoking materials properly.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

ACCESS #1 - At about .5 mile northeast of the South Fork Lodge in Lowman, on State Highway 21, at the intersection with the Banks-Lowman Highway, go west for about 9 miles. At the intersection with FS Rd 555 (Scott Mountain Road), go north for about 22 miles to FS Rd 572. Go right and proceed about one mile. Just past Trail Creek, the trail begins at the registration box. Sections of FS Rd 555 are narrow, steep, and rocky. Vehicles with trailers are not recommended.

ACCESS #2 - From Banks, on State Highway 55, go east on the Garden Valley- Crouch Road to the Crouch turnoff. Go north, passing through Crouch on a paved road, which becomes FS Rd 698. Continue north on FS Rd 698 for about 5 miles to the intersection of FS Rd 611 (Lightning Creek Road). Go southeast on FS Rd 611 for about 5 miles, where an earthen barrier blocks the road. The unsigned but blazed trailhead is located on the east side of the FS Rd 611. Sections of FS Rd 611 are narrow, steep, and rocky, so recreationists should take caution.


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