Quartz View Trail #179

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Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Quartz View Trail is typically accessed from the Pee Wee trailhead found just north of Priest River. From Priest River, go north on ID 57 for 3.5 miles. Then turn right onto Peninsula Road for 4.5 miles. Go left here onto McAbee Falls Rd/FSR334. After about 0.9 more miles there is a large field on the left with a road on the left, just after the field. Go left on the road after the field to arrive at the Pee Wee trailhead.

Quartz View Trail can also be accesssed from the Steep Creek Trail #177 trailhead. Directions found in the Steep Creek Trail #177 Need to Know section.

Starting at the Pee Wee trailhead, Quartz View Trail is found at the 0.5 mile mark along Pee Wee Trail #178. Go right here, from Pee Wee Trail #178, onto Quartz View Trail. Quart View Trail climbs about 1,000 feet over the first 2.5 miles to reach its high point near PeeWee Peak. From there, it descends about 800 feet over another 2.5 miles, to its endpoint at Steep Creek and the Steep Creek Trail #177 junction.

Initially in the forest, Quartz View Trail breaks out into an open area almost immediately. There are great views to the east/right of farmlands below and mountains into the distance. Returning to the forest briefly, another short open area is reached around the half mile mark, revealing views of the nearby forested slopes. Continuing to climb, the trail returns to the forest for the rest of its length. A small stream is crossed at the mile mark, as the trail winds through the beautiful mixed conifer forest.

Nearing Peewee Peak, Pee Wee Connector is on the left at the 2.5 mile mark. Pee Wee Connector is a very short path to Pee Wee Trail #178. After Pee Wee Connector, the trail begins its descent into the Steep Creek Valley. The trees get larger and cedars abound, as the trail drops. The final descent is on a steep hillside, aided by about a dozen switchbacks. At the valley bottom, the trail crosses the bridge across Steep Creek, and ends at Steep Creek Trail #177.

Mixed conifer forest - cedars, hemlocks, ferns, and more. A few small grassy open areas.