Now is the perfect time to head to North Idaho’s numerous mountains. And Scotchman Peak, with its commanding views of Lake Pend Oreille to the south, Montana’s Cabinet Mountains to the East and Canada to the north, is a rewarding objective for a competent and fit hiker. The hike is about 8 miles round trip, but in the 4 uphill miles you gain more than 3,500 feet making it a vigorous excursion. And while the return is all down hill, it can be hard on knees and hips. Bring plenty of water as there is no reliable water source during the hike.