A steep trail climb breaks onto an open grassland with scattered Rocky Mountain subalpine fir makes this summit a great operating position. Located on the Idaho/Montana border it has panoramic views of the regrown forest after the great burn of 1910. Early season wildflowers can be abundant including glacier lilies, buttercups and western pasqueflowers. Illinois Peak is an old US Forest Service Lookout site with some scattered weathered lumber and concrete footings as the only remaining evidence.
Elevation gain: 1500’
Trail Miles: 5.5 miles roundtrip. The first half is an old jeep track. The remaining route is a good but steep trail.
Water: None. The trail hike and summit are dry except for early season snowmelt.
Bear Pepper Spray: Highly recommended in all Northern Idaho and Montana summits
Map: Superior Ranger District, Lolo National Forest
Directions: From Superior Montana, go under the I-90 overpass to the south and head east on the Diamond Road approximately 4 miles where the road turns to the south and becomes Trout Creek Road #250. Travel up this road approximately 14 miles to the Freezeout Pass Road #388. The trailhead is at the Pass and is signed.
Trail #169 takes you to the summit after 2.7 miles. A steep but good trail.
