Upper Independence Creek

Once a wagon trail linking mining and logging camps to Lake Pend Oreille, Independence Creek National Recreation Trail #22 drops from Weber Saddle to its namesake creek and follows it closely through pristine forest and flower-rich meadows. Little evidence is left of the 1910 Great Burn, which turned much of the region into smoke and ashes. Today’s trail is shaded by Douglas fir and pine, clear water is waiting to be scooped up, and wildlife abounds, including whitetailed deer, elk, black bear, moose, cougars, and a plethora of birds.
Location
  • Coeur d’Alene Mountains
Rating
3.1 out of 5
Difficulty
Strenuous (that bushwhack in the beginning is pretty awful; that aside it’s moderate)
Distance
18.6 miles
Duration
6:41 hours moving time (Hiking)
Elevation Gain
1,909 feet
High Point
4,846 feet (ridge above the trailhead)
Low Point
3,095 feet (Independence Creek)
Features
  • Riverwalk
  • Meadow
  • Outing Type
  • Daytrip
  • Trail Type
  • Lollipop
  • Trailbed
    Packed dirt. In some places dug out by motorcycles
    Trail#
    3, 22
    Water
  • Plentiful along creeks, but sparse along the ridge on the return route
  • Camping
    • There are camping opportunities at the intersection of Goose Creek and FT 1520 as well as Snowbird Meadow.
    Conditions
    • The trails were in excellent shape; bushwhacking was a different story. The trail was frequently flooded, which is likely only an issue in spring.
    Administration
  • Coeur d’Alene National Forest
  • Status
  • National Recreation Trail
  • Maps
    USGS
  • Faset Peak
  • Lakeview
  • Fees & Permits
  • None required
  • (None required)
    Open To
  • Hikers
  • Dogs
  • Horses
  • Mountain Bikers
  • (watch out for dirtbikers)
    Directions
    Season
    April – November
    Resources
      Date
      June 11, 2016

      The Scribe had grandiose plans for this trip. It was going to be a one-day figure-eight loop, starting down FR-904, then Upper Independence Trail #3, then halfway down the main Independence trail #22, up Ermine Creek trail to Faset Peak, back down riding the ridge above Declaration Creek, and then up the regular Independence Creek trail for the return trip. The problem with that? For starters, FR-904 proved elusive–it existed only on our map. I discovered the 904 road bed quickly enough, but it was completely overgrown with shrubs and tall saplings and from all appearances had been abandoned for years if not decades. I found a game trail along the old road that was fairly easy to follow; at least for me. The Scribe, on the other hand, had his face plastered with cobwebs and fighting the shrubbery had scratched his arms. He went as far as telling me that my scouting skills were seriously lacking. A bit harsh. Anyway, we abandoned the road bed shortly and headed downhill through beargrass, ferns and more open forest towards Goose Creek. The going wasn’t exactly easy here either, as the forest floor was steep and littered with deadfall. We followed a gully as best we could, scaring Mother Grouse and her chicks along the way, and that led us to the north fork of Goose Creek. A light drizzle had started while we descended, and now intensified to a full-blown downpour. The Scribe stopped to put a cover over his pack and exchanged his boots for sandals. Even though the water was icy cold, progress was much quicker by hiking in the creek bed. We reached FR-1520 after about an hour and in that time covered all of one mile!

      There was a pretty campsite in the woods at the intersection of FR-1520 and Goose Creek. We ignored it, however, and moved on, making good time along the forest road (a dual track, probably used by ATVers). The road was flooded in many places, this <br>being late spring. It didn’t matter to me; I always welcome a quick dip and the Scribe left his sandals on for a bit longer. The rain, luckily, had ceased. The trail followed the hillside above Goose Creek for about 1.5 miles, then dropped sharply to the creek and the confluence with Independence Creek. The trail got boggy and confusing, at this point; the important thing is to cross Independence Creek to the north side where the trail ascends the hillside, now a single track lined with beargrass. The trail hugged the hillside above the creek and was well-shaded with frequent views of the creek. Approximately 3 miles later the trail merged with the main Independence Creek National Recreation Trail #22.

      The trail continued on the north side of the creek, and crossed a series of tributaries which flooded the trail almost every time. At one of these obstacles, we came upon a whitetailed deer, which took off across the creek. Feeling generously, l let it go…  The trail then opened up on a sprawling meadow inhabited by a large colony of ground squirrels. I chased and dug and chased and dug until I could barely see, my eyes encrusted with dirt. Reluctantly I followed the Scribe’s call and we left the meadow behind. Soon we came upon another, even larger one, and the chase started all over again. The views in this area, if you have time for such things (I don’t), were simply fantastic.

      After Snowbird Meadow, the trail moved up the hillside a bit and within a mile or so led us to the intersection with Ermine Ridge. At this point, the Scribe’s grand plan completely fell apart: He was too tired to make the climb to Faset Peak. We retraced our steps to Snowbird Meadows, where we stopped at a pretty camping spot to filter water or, as in my case, drink right from the firehose.

      After that we followed trail #22 to the fork with Upper Independence Trail. At this point trail #22 veered off to the right and up the hillside. I ran ahead and indulged myself on frequent squirrel pursuits, while the Scribe slowly clambered up the mountain. The views were stunning, though, especially in the fading light!

      Alternate Routes

      • You can continue along Independence Creek for a few more miles. See the Faset Peak hike.

      Things to Consider

        Not so great

          Beargrass on Weber Saddle
          Bushwhack down to Upper Independence Creek
          Parts of the trail were swamped
          A shady trail
          Beargrass
          Junction with Independence Creek trail
          The trail is in good shape
          Paralleling Independence Creek
          Where the wagon trail once was
          Naughty checking things out
          More creek
          Incredible river views!
          Expect to see deer or even a moose
          More hiking next to the creek
          Log jam in Independence Creek
          Naughty taking a bath
          View of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains
          Climbing back up to Weber Saddle
          Evening settling over the Coeur d’Alene Mountains