
Travel guide to the top of Lunch Peak in ID
Usa, north-america
24.94 km
1,956 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Lunch Peak! Nestled way up in the Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho, inside the Kaniksu National Forest, this peak clocks in at a cool 6,417 feet.
Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. We're talking Lunch Peak Road #1091: a 15.5-mile, totally unpaved climb from Trestle Creek. While it's generally kept in good shape, you'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Some of those hills get seriously steep, hitting a 9% grade!
You'll gain over 4,300 feet on your way up, so buckle in. The reward? A lookout tower built in '71, and views that are absolutely worth the bumpy ride. We're talking the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains, and the sparkling beauty of Lake Pend Oreille stretching out before you. Trust me, you won't regret this trek!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,956 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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