Evan's Landing Trail

Evan's Landing is a 4 mile out-and-back trail located around 30 minutes from Sandpoint, Idaho. The trail boasts an impressive view over the Pend Orielle Lake and of the Cabinet Mountains. From Sandpoint take the 95 South for 18 miles then turn left onto Blacktail Road. Follow Blacktail Road for another 5.8 miles, the parking area will be on your left. The trail will be marked with a hiking sign numbered 64. 

North Idaho is abundant with wildlife so be sure to take the necessary precautions, both moose and bear are common in this area. The trail begins with a slight incline through a dense forest of Western Red Cedar, Red Fir, Ponderosa, and Lodgepole Pine. This section only lasts for a short while, after around a third of a mile the trail begins to descend rapidly. This is where you encounter the first of many sweeping views of the Pend Orielle and the mountains surrounding it. The vantage will be predominantly to the east at first with the small Packsaddle Mountain visible directly across the water. The curve of the first switchback will provide a view to the north with the Cabinet Mountain Range on the horizon. The trail is shaded for most of the day with only a few stretches in direct sunlight and it's proximity to the Pend Orielle tends to keep air temperature significantly cooler on the slopes surrounding the lake. The trail continues down the slope to the water with frequent switchbacks and over 1,000 feet of descent in just under 2 miles. At times sections of switchback get washed out but for the most part, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. 

At 1.8 miles the trail leaves the forested slope and meets the shores of the Pend Orielle River. To the left, there is a beautiful stretch of lakeside beach complete with a picnic table and fire pit. At the end of this beach is a rope swing though water levels are not always high enough to utilize it. From the end of the marked trail to the picnic area is around 0.2 miles marking the halfway point in the hike meaning you'll be climbing around 1,135 feet on the way back to the parking area.