Let your car take care of the elevation gain for your start from Pass Creek Pass (5,910′), then wander along the spine of the Divide and take in the varied hues of fall foliage on this out-and-back hike. Trailside bushes range from scarlet to burgundy while western larch make their annual transition from green to yellow.
Best for: The trail is typically snow free from July through fall, although hikers should be aware of hunting seasons and dress accordingly for safety in September and October. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians and is dog-friendly with a leash.
Getting there: Northeast Washington’s only official “Wilderness Area,” the Salmo Priest, is located a little over two hours north of Spokane adjacent to the Idaho and Canadian borders in Pend Oreille County just east of the town of Metaline Falls, WA. The trailhead is located north of the small parking lot at Pass Creek Pass between Metaline Falls and Nordman, ID (Driving directions at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recreation/recarea/?recid=71048)
