Trails

Kootenai NWR is an excellent place to visit for those looking to take a leisurely walk, engage in some birding, and bike or drive the scenic auto tour route

Restroom facilities can be found at refuge headquarters.

Respect wildlife and their habitats by observing and obeying all refuge rules and policies. Do not feed or harass wildlife. If an animal changes its behavior, you鈥檙e too close and need to back away.

For a full list of trails, please stop by refuge headquarters or explore the interactive map.

Chickadee Trail

Chickadee Trail is a short, paved loop that begins near the refuge headquarters and travels primarily through riparian habitat, with views of adjacent wetlands and managed small grain fields. This mix of habitats supports a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.

The riparian area is active with songbirds and woodpeckers, while nearby wetlands and fields often host waterfowl, ducks, and large mammals like white tailed deer and elk. The small grain fields are managed and planted by the refuge to provide food for migrating and overwintering waterfowl.

A wildlife watching bench and educational panels along the trail make it a great stop for learners of all ages. Keep an eye out for tree cavities created by nesting birds - clear signs of the refuge鈥檚 thriving birdlife.

Trail Surface: Paved.
Trail Length (mi)
0.16
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
10 minutes
Route Type
Loop
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
View Trail

Deep Creek Trail

Deep Creek Trail follows an elevated berm with entrances at both the north and south ends, offering sweeping views of the refuge's wetland and riparian habitats.

Starting from the north trailhead, Deep Creek runs along the east side of the trail, bordered by healthy riparian habitat with cottonwood, dogwood, and other native vegetation. To the west, hikers enjoy open views of the refuge鈥檚 wetlands, grasslands, and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains.

The elevated berm provides excellent visibility for wildlife viewing and remains safe for hiking during hunting season. Benches along the route provide quiet spots to rest and enjoy views of the creek and surrounding landscape.

Along the route, the trail passes several managed wetlands, with scenic views of Burton Peak and Snow Ridge. On the far side of Deep Creek, you'll see an active railroad berm.
The south trailhead includes a small pull-off area with parking for about five vehicles.

Trail surface: Double track with dirt, rock, grass, and other natural surfaces.
Trail Length (mi)
2.16
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
2 hours
View Trail

Myrtle Creek Falls Trail

Myrtle Falls Trail leads visitors to an overlook of the stunning 100-foot Myrtle Creek Falls.

The first 0.15 miles is paved and accessible, with a gradual, continuous ascent through dense conifer forest. A bench at the bridge over Myrtle Creek offers a peaceful spot to rest and listen to the sounds of flowing water and forest birds. American dippers are often seen foraging in the creek below.

Beyond the bridge, the trail becomes unpaved and steeper, climbing the hillside in a series of short switchbacks.

At 0.25 miles, the trail reveals the dramatic, multi-tiered Myrtle Falls, cascading between rugged rock faces. Please note that the overlook and trail beyond the bridge are managed by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

Trail Surface: 0.15 miles paved, followed by 0.1 miles of dirt and rock.
Note: Only the paved portion is accessible. The remainder is steep and uneven.
Trail Length (mi)
0.24
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Estimated Time
20 minutes
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

Ole Humpback Trail

Ole Humpback Trail is a singletrack dirt path winding through ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest with occasional views of the refuge鈥檚 wetlands through the trees. Expect wooded solitude and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

The trail begins with a short but steep climb, then transitions to a more gradual incline. Game trails cross the main path in several places, so stay alert and follow the most well-defined route. At about 0.5 miles, the trail climbs again before reaching the refuge boundary at 0.75 miles, where it connects with a newly constructed trail on Idaho Panhandle National Forest land.

This Forest Service trail leads to a wider network of routes, but it is not well marked and missing from most maps, so navigation tools are strongly recommended if you plan to continue beyond the refuge.

Important: Overnight parking is not allowed on the refuge. For multi-day hikes, use a National Forest trailhead for parking.

Trail surface: Singletrack with dirt, rock, and other natural materials.
Trail Length (mi)
0.71
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / intermediate
Moderate
View Trail