Fall is a great time to explore the newly cleared trails at Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area. Downed logs and thick brush can make horseback riding and hiking a challenge. Thanks to the Panhandle Backcountry Horsemen and IDFG wildlife technicians, ten miles of trails on Snow Peak WMA were cleared this summer using chainsaws, loppers, and brush saws.
The Snow Peak Lookout Trail 55 is clear. Plus you can make a loop from Trail 55 down the Spotted Louis Trail 104 about 2 miles, up the connector trail almost to the Lookout, and then back down Trail 55 off of Snow Peak. Trail 101 is clear for 2 miles out to Papoose Mountain and Trail 627 is clear about a mile down Papoose Creek.
Take your family or friends for a hike out to the Snow Peak Lookout to spot resident mountain goats or grab your bow and start bugling for elk. If you make it out there soon, you might even be able to find some huckleberries.
To find Snow Peak WMA, head up the St Joe River 22 miles east of Avery then up Bluff Creek (FS Road 509) to Pineapple Saddle. The FS 201 Road will take you to the WMA and the Snow Peak Lookout Trail 55 trailhead.
For more information about Snow Peak and other WMAs visit: https://idfg.idaho.gov/visit/wildlife-management-areas