The Glacial Granite of the Selkirks: A Morning at the Mickinnick Trail

In the Idaho Panhandle, the landscape is defined by the massive, deep waters of Lake Pend Oreille and the jagged rise of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains. While visitors often congregate at the Sandpoint City Beach or the ski slopes of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, there is a quieter, more demanding rhythm to be found on the Mickinnick Trail. This isn't a casual stroll; it is a four-mile climb that gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, threading through the ancient, moss-dampened understory of the Kaniksu National Forest.

Named after its creators, Mick and Nick (local residents Mick and Nicky Pleass who donated the land and helped develop the path), the Mickinnick is a masterpiece of trail craft. It manages to feel deeply secluded despite its proximity to town. Here, the air smells of crushed pine needles and damp granite, and the only sound is the occasional drumming of a pileated woodpecker against a cedar snag. It is a place for those who prefer their views earned through steady, uphill effort.

Local Story

The trail is more than just a recreational path; it’s a living map of the region’s geological and botanical diversity. As you ascend the switchbacks, the environment shifts. At the base, you are walking through dense groves of Western Red Cedar and Hemlock—remnants of the 'Inland Empire' rainforest that once covered much of this region. The ground is a carpet of ferns and trillium in the spring, thriving in the mountain's shadow.

About halfway up, the trail opens into massive granite outcroppings. These stones are billions of years old, polished by glaciers and fractured by centuries of freeze-thaw cycles. Locals know certain benches and rocky overlooks where the canopy thins, offering glimpses of the Cabinet Mountains across the valley. The trail was gifted to the U.S. Forest Service in the early 2000s, ensuring that the 'bench'—a prominent topographical level on the mountain—remained accessible to the public rather than becoming a private enclave. It reflects a quintessential Sandpoint value: the belief that the best views in the county should belong to anyone willing to lace up their boots.

Experience Guide

To experience the Mickinnick Trail properly, aim for a morning start. The trailhead parking lot is small and can fill quickly on weekends, especially during the peak of the huckleberry season when locals head into the higher elevations with buckets in hand. The first mile is a series of well-graded switchbacks that serve as an immediate reminder of the Selkirks' steepness.

As you reach the upper miles, the forest opens into subalpine terrain. Giant boulders, some the size of small cabins, sit precariously near the path. The summit isn't a single peak but a sprawling rocky ridge. From here, Lake Pend Oreille spreads out like a sheet of hammered blue steel, and you can trace the long curve of the Sandpoint Long Bridge stretching across the water. On the clearest days, the peaks of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness loom to the east, still holding snow well into July. Bring plenty of water—there are no reliable springs on this vertical route—and take a moment at the top to sit on the weathered granite and watch the ospreys and hawks catch the thermals rising from the valley floor.

The Flora of the Panhandle

The Mickinnick Trail offers a vertical cross-section of Idaho’s botanical riches. In the lower sections, you’ll find the iconic Western Larch, known locally as Tamarack, which turns a brilliant gold before dropping its needles in the autumn. Interspersed are Douglas Firs and the occasional Ponderosa Pine. For those interested in local foraging, the trail edges are often lined with wild berries. While huckleberries are the prize, you might also spot thimbleberries with their soft, velvet-like leaves and tart red fruit. Zuro can help you discover other nearby trailheads if you want to compare the cedar groves of the valley floor with the high-alpine ridges. Always remember to stay on the path to protect the fragile mosses that cling to the granite faces.

Practical Tips for the Selkirks

This is bear country. While the Mickinnick is popular, it is not uncommon to see signs of black bears or even the occasional moose. Carrying bear spray and making noise is standard practice here. The trail is well-maintained but rocky; sturdy footwear with good ankle support is highly recommended for the descent, which can be taxing on the knees. Cell service is generally good along the ridge due to the line-of-sight to Sandpoint, but it can be spotty in the deep gullies near the start. Allow about three to four hours for the roundtrip hike, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the overlooks.