Salmo-Priest Loop — Friday, Jul. 5, 2013

Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range

A few friends and I spent the fourth of July weekend this year at Grand Coulee Dam and hiking this loop through the Selkirks. We could not have chosen a better loop. This was, no joke, 21 miles and 3 days of pure bliss that easily rivaled the beauty of any Washington hike, including the Enchantments. Tip#1- Be careful which trail head you start on. There are two trail heads in the parking lot and the correct one is sort of hidden (make sure the trail sign says #506). Tip#2- Stop at the Colville Ranger Station next to Sullivan Lake before your hike to get a perfect, and quite beautiful, topo map of the Selkirks that includes this loop. It will also help you decipher when you are entering Idaho and what mountain ranges you are viewing in the distance. Tip#3- Skip the side-trip to the "dilapidated cabin" and the side trip to Canada. Not worth it, but you MUST take the side-trip to the lookout on Little Snowy Top. What an incredible view! Tip#4- Be careful! There are many side trails in this area and it's easy to unintentionally take one. Have a topo map just in case!