Illinois Peak

The trail to Illinois Peak starts on a four-wheel drive road at the Trout Creek Driveway and continues for about a quarter of a mile until the actual trailhead. There are huckleberries that line this road during berry season. The hike begins in a mostly wooded area, but it then opens up to a clearing with beautiful views and wildflowers during the right season. The trail can get hot because it is pretty exposed for most of the way. The hike is mostly gradual until the last third, which includes switchbacks up to the summit. Illinois Peak is the highest peak in Idaho's Shoshone County, so you definitely reap the benefit of seeing the 360-degree vista of Montana and Idaho. At the summit there are ruins of an old fire watchtower where you can sit and have lunch, but the weather does change rapidly, so prepare accordingly.