Idaho · Hiking

Packsaddle

6.4 mi
round trip
1,769 ft
climb
5,385 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Packsaddle open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Packsaddle, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Packsaddle is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Idaho Panhandle National Forests, within the St. Joe Ranger District. The trail runs about 6.4 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,769 feet, taking you from a low point of 2,595 feet to a high of 5,385 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surface, with horses and bikes allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs stay near 28°F. That station sits about 640 feet higher than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run a little warmer. The trail is open from June 1 to September 30. Turner Peak lies about 1.8 miles away, and Skookum Creek and the Nelson Ridge NRT are each about 3 miles off. Turner Flat campground is about 3.6 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Packsaddle

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 16.1 mi away at 6,028 ft. The station sits about 600 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.