The Isabella Landing Trailhead can be found along Forest Service Road 700, aka Smith Ridge Road, in the North Fork area of the Clearwater National Forest. The trailhead is marked with a sign by a wooden bridge crossing Isabella Creek. There is parking and camping down by the water's edge at Isabella Creek Campground.

The trail follows the hillside up above the North Fork Clearwater River for about 5 miles before running into Salmon Creek Road. This dirt road ends at an open, grassy area along the river, our final destination. Out and back, we're looking at about 11 miles total. This is mountain country so there will be plenty of ups and downs to wear us out, but for the most part we will stay between 1,600 and 1,800 feet elevation. See the Gaia map below for more details.

While we will be following the river, we won't be down by the water's edge, so bring enough water to hike the 5.5 miles. There will be opportunities to climb down to the river and filter drinking water, and we will end at the water's edge, but best to come prepared. We'll plan on doing lunch at trail's end before heading back, and by golly, I want House of JuJu when we're done! LOL. If it works out.

Accuweather thinks it's going to be 82℉ and sunny in Headquarters on July 12th. We'll see. Maybe bring a parka or rain coat just in case. Sturdy trail shoes or boots are recommended. Light colored pants make it easier to spot tics and help keep them off your legs. Bring food and plenty of water. Hiking poles will help with all the ups and downs. A hat and sunglasses are a good idea, but we will be walking in dense tree cover.

Isabella Landing is a beautiful trail in some of our most beautiful countryside. I hope we'll see you there! Reach out if you want to set up carpooling options from Lewiston (at like 6:00am!) and/or Orofino City Park. Also, let's communicate if some Trekkers want to make plans for camping out at the trailhead Friday night.

See you on the trail!