Highway Stop

So you’ve decided to visit Clark Fork, Idaho. Well, I can tell you right now that you’ve come to the right place. To many, this destination is used as a highway stop, a bathroom break, a midway point between two important locations. However, it’s so much more. A quaint, sleepy little town situated on the sloping banks of the Clark Fork River, overlooked by the Monarch Mountains and Scotchman’s Peak, this is the perfect getaway for a breath of fresh air. While at first glance this destination might look humdrum, I can assure you that this kind of relaxation as well as pure, natural outdoor adventuring is something you won’t find anywhere else.

You’ll start your journey by traveling on Highway 200 where you’ll enjoy views of Lake Pend’ Oreille, Trestle Creek Delta, and more of the Monarch Mountains just across the water way. If you leave Sandpoint at dawn, you’ll be accompanied by the rising sun and all it’s morning glory dancing across the mountain peaks and the somber, glassy lake depths. For an extra shot of fun, listen to “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, linked here https://open.spotify.com/track/6dGnYIeXmHdcikdzNNDMm2?si=hWqbNq_-Q12_ABeJao8e0A . You’ll follow this highway all the way until you’re welcomed by the little green sign that clearly states in silver lettering “Clark Fork, Population: 536”. While this might put some people in slight disappointment, let me assure you that while there are few, the people that you meet are unlike any other.

While visiting Clark Fork, you’ll definitely want to be staying in one of the rental cabins located on the river shore. Here you’ll find privacy, beautiful solitude, and untainted natural beauty paired with the lullaby of the lake lapping at the shore and the birds trilling in the trees. To start your day, you’ll want to head into the heart of Clark Fork and grab a coffee of your choice at Scotchman’s Coffee. This little stone and brick, rustic cabin watering hole is owned and ran by a local Clark Fork family, the Hoffmans. Not only are they one of a kind, but their blends are too! Made and curated with the tastes of the customers in mind, the Hoffman family has a variety in their selection of coffee blends, teas, and other drinks to choose from. An example of their culinary craftsmanship can be seen here; https://m.facebook.com/scotchmanscoffee/photos/a.695275414223417/783814188702872/?type=3&source=54

After acquiring the perfect drink, you’ll want to head just down the block to The Pantry. Again, also ran and owned by a local Clark Fork family! Try out their melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodles, warming soups and pizzas of the day, made to order sandwiches from the deli, or their ice cream! No matter what fits your fancy, there’s no chance for disappointment here. Craving a bag of those salty potato chips you like? No worries! The Pantry also has a small grocery department available for the picking. Want to take a better look? Here’s their Facebook page so you can take a look at all the yummy goodies; https://m.facebook.com/theclarkforkpantry/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0 .

Now that you have your bearings needed for the day, you’ll start heading toward the perfect hiking spot! Many people tend to gravitate toward Scotchman’s Peak, and while this is a quest like no other, boasting views of the lake, Clark Fork, Sandpoint, and Montana, this is not a hike for everyone. Deep in bear country, you’ll have to set aside at least a whole day for this venture that will include rock scrambling and, depending on the day, getting a little too close for comfort with some mountain goats! So, I’m here to shine some light on a lesser known, but nonetheless breathtaking, hiking (or driving if that’s more your speed) adventure that only the locals know! Heading out of Clark Fork, you’ll head toward the river and cross the bridge. Previously a train bypass, the old towering, red beams and cable lines are still there. Here is another picture perfect place! Pull your car over once you cross the bridge and you’ll have views of the Clark Fork River and the Monarchs positioned perfectly for a sunset photo op later! Continuing your drive, you’ll take a right onto the adjourning road that will take you along the river. On one side you’ll see the calming, flowing currents of the Clark Fork, and on the other you’ll be gifted with the rolling fields dotted with cattle and deer, shadowed by the mountains. When this road splits into two, the right going to Johnson Creek, you’ll take the left. Passing over a small one-way bridge across the creek, you’ll drive along the side of the growing mountains to begin your climb. If you’d rather, you can pull your car over to the side of the road here and hike up the road until you reach the trailhead. Either way, you’ll follow this winding road up until you see the little green sign titled “Vista Point” alongside a smaller trail. Here is another place you can pull over and get out to hike. I personally recommend this since the road is much narrower from here on out, as well as being bumpy and potentially rocky enough to pop a tire. Never fear! The hike from here can take as little as ten minutes, or as long as you’d like depending on your pace. An easy incline with sloping switchbacks, you’ll soon come to the lookout. Populated with daisies and wildflowers, a steep field with pine trees abreast will split to honor you with a panorama of the lake, it’s islands, and the bordering Monarch Mountains. I can gaurantee you that you’ll find a lookout like this nowhere else with the ease of access. If you so please, you can continue to take the trail upwards toward the campground that harbors views similar to this one right outside your tent.

Otherwise, you’ll head back down the way you came and pick up your car wherever you left it. Retracing you’re steps, you’ll come back to the bridge and now have the opportunity for that perfect sunset photo op! The mirror-like reflection of the sunset on the water, the mountains and outlines of pine trees will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. Then you’ll travel back to the Clark Fork and grab a cone of ice cream or soft serve. Snag a pizza and you’re ready to head on back to your lakeside cabin to view the ongoing sunset spectacle from your hammock or beach chair while enjoying dinner. Can it get anymore perfect than that?