Trail Review - Square Mountain Fire Lookout

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:10:13 +0100

S Q U A R E M O U N T A I N L O O K O U T

LOCATION

Latitude: 45-35'55'' N
Longitude: 115-51'48'' W

[DIRECTIONS]

[MAP]

ELEVATION

7,982 Feet

DIFFICULTY

1 / 10 (easy)

BEAUTY

9 / 10

ACTIVITIES

Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Bird Watching, Photo Opportunity (Nature; vast horizons)

Square Mountain is located in the Gospel Hump Wilderness area of the Nez Pierce National Forest. The original lookout was built in 1931, and was officially shut down as a fire lookout during the 1970's. However, the National Forest Service and volunteers from Passport in Time have worked together to preserve the site as one of the few remaining outlook sites. Being a lookout site, you can expect an almost endless line-of-sight, providing an outstanding opportunity for photography, bird and animal watching (deer, elk, moose, fox, rabbit, wolf, grizzly bear, and others), and an overall sense of awe! Nearby lakes provide ample and superb opportunities for fishing (primarily trout. Bite Rate: expect about 2 good bite days a week, or one out of every three [1:3] days) and nearby mountains provide ample hiking opportunities.
Plan your trip in advance, as snow often lingers into July. Often, snow and ice drifts still cross the road into late June-mid July, so put a shovel in the back of your car. You can also contact the Salmon River Ranger District for current conditions at (208) 839-2211.
The road up the mountain is riddled with washboards, and includes a long, steep climb; a trusty, durable ATV, SUV, or four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended, and good brakes are a must! Expect heavy dust during late July - Mid September. There are several turnouts along the way, particularly near lake overlooks. The parking lot at the trailhead is rather small (Capacity: about 3 pickup trucks comfortably). There are no fees to access, park, or hike; just go and enjoy! This is true for all trailheads in the area.
Visitors are generally friendly and welcoming, often waving as they pass you by. Don't rush to the lookout; it's a short trail, so spend some time enjoying the scenery along the way. Folks are generally more than willing to lend a hand with directions, a quick bit of gossip, or tales of fishing the lakes.
Camping in the are is allowed (and recommended) if you want to fully explore the true beauty of the area. Camping is allowed in established campsites (with Forest Service-installed fire pits), along the road, and on rock outings, such as turnouts. Please note that camping or driving over natural fauna is not permitted, and you will be fined (rather heavily) by the Forest Service if they catch you. Forest Service employees are common throughout the area, so it's best to not risk it. It is also recommended that you bring water for both drinking and dousing the campfire (check ahead for restrictions by calling the Salmon River Ranger District at the phone number above prior to departure). Should you run into an emergency, cell service is spotty and rather unreliable, but is availible (Verizon confirmed) - plan for self-rescue/evac/repair, as signal virtually deteriorates as you drop off the mountain.

Upon reaching the top of Square Mountain, and thus the end of the road, you are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gospel Hump and Buffalo Hump wilderness area. This view, just off the right side of your car, offers a stunning view of the valley and pristine backdrop of mountains. This gorgeous view will be on your right as you hike the trail, so watch for various wildlife munching away in the meadow or soaking in the suns rays in a clearing down below! NOTE: the trailhead to Square Mountain Lake is to the downward-side of the road, just as the road turns and before driving past the lookout. This is NOT the trail being discussed here, we will be staying on top of the mountain.

As you round the last turn in the road, choose a place to park (please be considerate of other visitors), and enjoy the history preserved in the lookout. The lookout is always open, just be careful of the door; it likes to stick shut (try gently lifting up as you push inward). Take in the sights from inside the lookout, and admire the craftsmanship of the volunteers from Passport In Time. Take a quick moment to sign and browse the guest book.
As you leave the lookout, to your 10:00, you can spot Seven Devils mountains far off in the distance, with Buffalo Hump almost directly at your 6:00. Please remember that a lot of time, care, and dedication went into restoring the site, and be respectful to that nature. Please do not ruin it for others by writing,carving, or defacing the lookout. Please remember the guest book you made use of, and let that suffice. Further damage could lead to the eventual removal of the site for future visitors. Also, please remember to close the door behind you; bugs, especially flies, like to seek whats inside when the door is left ajar.

Heading back towards the parking lot, proceed past the vehicle(s), and set out on Square Mountain Trail. The trail, overall, is pretty straight and flat, so no real elevation gain or loss on this one. It's also pretty short, but the beauty makes it worth mentioning here. At first, the trail will be mostly dust, but will soon turn rocky (see above left picture). Thankfully, the rocks do not impede the trail condition by much. In fact, they inspired me to create "Mini Monument Dude" along the trail (see above right).
As you move along the quarter-mile trail, you will start to work into more trees to your left and front, but will still have the amazing view of the valley to your right. The trees offer possibilities for bird spotting, such as the Camp Robber eating pine nuts in the picture below (left).

Once you reach the end of the trail, you are welcomed to a scene of Square Mountain Lake nestled at the base of the nearby mountains in the valley below (see picture above, right). This overview offers a great photo opp, but be warned, you are near a cliff hang, so take the end of the trail with care.
To you left (and off-trail) are opportunities to extend your hike, including a rocky outcropping (beware, it can be rather precarious to get onto), and through the trees will take you back to the road leading up the mountain for a nice jaunt through the wilderness.
Take some time to enjoy the view, and maybe break out a lunch for a scenic picnic. This is definitely one spot you'll remember, so might as well enjoy it!

A Complete Photo Gallery of this trip is coming soon! Please check back later, or subscribe to this Blog to receive an update announcement!

Backpacking Blog

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:17:28 +0100

Well, folks, here it is, the main attraction, so to speak. My main passion and love of the outdoors - backpacking. Here, I will be posting up the low-down on some of the trails I've hiked, including: trail conditions, locations, overall impressions, and other information regarding them. I would like to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the many awe-inspiring sights nature has to offer; it can be truly breathtaking! If you have a trail you would like me to review, please mention it in the comments below, and I will hit dirt as soon as time allows!

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Trail Review - Square Mountain Fire Lookout

Backpacking Blog