Meetup location:
The parking lot about two miles upriver from Pittsburgh Landing. Note: There are three parking areas. Keep driving to the one closest to the trailhead. When the road ends, you will know that you are there. Look for the Clearwater Trekking sign. Pittsburgh Landing is 106 miles from Lewiston or at least a 2 1/2 hour drive.
Description:
The is an-in-and out, moderate, 12-mile round-trip hike to Kirkwood Ranch and back. The trail is mostly gradual river grade, but there are a few short, steep pitches. While this is a relatively easy hike, I rated it as moderate as it is twelve miles for a day hike. If you're NOT up to hiking this distance, then you should pass on this one.
Official Trip Plan and Variations:
I will leave Lewiston Friday evening around 6:30 PM and car camp at the BLM Hammer Creek Campground, which is 1 1/2 miles downriver from the Salmon River Bridge. This is a fee CG.
Dan Lynch will meet me at the CG Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, and we'll carpool from there to Pittsburgh Landing and expect to be at the trailhead by 9:00 AM. I'm planning the outing this way to avoid doing the round-trip drive in one day. You're welcome to carpool with me, but you are responsible for your own camping gear. If you can fit everything into a backpack, I have plenty of room for your gear.
Variations:
- You can meet Dan and me at the Hammer Creek CG @ 8:00 AM on Saturday, and we'll carpool from there.
- You can meet us at the trailhead at 9:00 AM if you drive from Lewiston or elsewhere.
- You can camp out at the Pittsburgh Landing CG and meet us at the trailhead at 9:00 AM.
- You can do an overnight backpack to Kirkwood Ranch and return to your own vehicle on Sunday.
Equipment:
Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. The lighter the color the better as there could be ticks. We will brush by overhanging grass on the trail, and this is a common way to acquire those buggers.. I have been on this hike several times in the later spring and have not previously encountered any ticks, but they are out.
Hells Canyon is also full of rattlesnakes, and they may be out, depending on the weather. I strongly recommend carrying trekking poles as they are a terrific tool for probing overhanging grass on the trail.
Carry two to three liters of water. We will cross two creeks, so you can filter water if you prefer. The weather could be warm or cool, so bring a lightweight jacket. Carry rain gear if there is any hint of rain. Of course, bring your lunch and snacks for later in the day.
Contact:
Lance Reedy at 208-660-6548 or lance1991@protonmail.com. Please email me if you would like to carpool from Lewiston either Friday night or from the Hammer Creek CG Saturday morning.
See you on the trail.
