Scotchman Peak is located in northern Idaho, in the Cabinet Mountain Range, near the Montana board. Scotchman is one of the more popular peaks in the area, thanks to a well maintained trail and amazing summit views. And with over 4500’ of prominence, Scotchman is the 5th most prominent peak in all of Idaho. Because of the popularity with hikers, as well as a friendly herd of mountain goats that frequents the summit, you are unlikely to have the mountain to yourself, but Scotchman is still well worth the visit.

My family and I were visiting northern Idaho on vacation, and I managed to negotiate one hike into the trip. Scotchman was the obvious choice, and after a 45 minute drive from Sandpoint, I was on my way up the trail.

The bottom section of the trail is pleasant as it makes its way through the shady forest. It was a warm day, but the combination of shade and regular stops for huckleberry picking kept me from exerting myself too much. Eventually I had to pick up the pace though, so it was nice to reach the upper section of the hike where the views opened up, and a nice breeze was blowing.

After about 2.5 hours of hiking, including a PB&J and huckleberry lunch break, I reached treeline. Here a sign warned to not bother the mountain goats. Later, it became obvious that there is actually more risk of goats bothering hikers. After passing a pair of goats near treeline, I then met three more just below the summit. They followed me to the highpoint. Turns out they view hikers as a much desired source of salt. The goats followed me closely, and got within 6 feet at times. Never particularly aggressive, but definitely in pursuit. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

Eventually I had to leave the goats and head back down. I did my best to hustle back to the car since I’d gotten behind schedule due to huckleberries and goats. Round trip was about 8 miles and 3700’ of elevation gain in 4.5 hours round trip. A great hike in a neat area.

Map of the route, 8 miles and 3700' gain round trip.	Scotchman Peak trailhead, a variety of warnings.	Early view from the trail.	I enjoyed some huckleberries with my PB&J for lunch.	Higher up the views expanded to include Lake Pend Oreille.
Still heading up.	First set of goats, just below treeline.	Initial view of Scotchman Peak.	Goal climbing with me.	Guard goat for the stone house.
Nearing the summit of Scotchman Peak.	Me and a friend on the summit of Scotchman Peak.	Summit view looking northeast into Montana.	Scotchman is known for its mountain goats.	Heading back down, Lake Pend Oreille in the distance.
Map of the route, 8 miles and 3700' gain round trip.Scotchman Peak trailhead, a variety of warnings.Early view from the trail.I enjoyed some huckleberries with my PB&J for lunch.Higher up the views expanded to include Lake Pend Oreille.Still heading up.First set of goats, just below treeline.Initial view of Scotchman Peak.Goal climbing with me.Guard goat for the stone house.Nearing the summit of Scotchman Peak.Me and a friend on the summit of Scotchman Peak.Scotchman is known for its mountain goats.Summit view looking northeast into Montana.Mountain goats on the summit of Scotchman Peak.Heading back down, Lake Pend Oreille in the distance.