Engle Peak has spectacular views of the southern Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area. Peak access is over good roads and a lightly used trail.
The trail climbs initially through old timber harvest units of densely regenerated young mature forest intersecting or following several old logging roads or skid trails. Soon however the trail enters older forest of mostly mountain hemlock well-spaced with an understory of shrubs dominated by tall black huckleberry, current and Rhododendron menziesia. The trail intersects the less steep main ridge and the Wilderness boundary at about 1.3 miles. Further along this ridge the trail drops into a more recent wildland fire. After dropping 0.5 miles through this old wildland fire and a short section of old forest the trail steepens up the last 1300’ of elevation gain to the summit over a well-defined switch-backing trail in mostly large boulders and talus.
Be aware that returning from Engle Peak at approximately1.9 miles it’s easy to see a trail sign “Engle Peak Tr No 926”. Following that trail downhill leads into McKay Creek and does not return to the trailhead #932 described in this summit trip blog.
Engle Peak summit is exposed with bedrock and large loose rock piles suitable for supporting antenna poles.
Trail miles: approximately 4 miles one way.
Elevation gain: approximately 2800’
Water: There is no water source above Rock Creek/Orr Creek to the trailhead. One fair water source in summer is approximately 1 mile up the trail after an elevation gain of about 1100’. It’s advisable to filter any open water sources.
Bear Spray: Recommended for all Montana summit hikes.
Camping: Campgrounds are off Highway #200, Bull River Campground north of Noxon and North Shore Campground on Noxon Reservoir. North Shore CG access road is from Highway #200 south of Trout Creek Ranger Station about 1 mile. Dispersed camping is allowed along summit access roads FS#150, 2285 and at the trailhead.
Map: US Forest Service, Kootenai National Forest, Cabinet Ranger District
Directions: From Noxon Bridge adjacent to Highway #200 travel 1.75 miles south on Highway #200 to Government Mountain Road #150. Travel up Government Mountain Road #150 for approximately 4.9 miles to Orr Gulch Road #2285. This road was not signed when we were there in 2024. The road sneaks off just prior to crossing the second Rock Creek Bridge. A map will help! Travel up road #2285 for approximately 7.0 miles to the trailhead.
