How long is Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail?

Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail is 7.2 km (4.5 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 1 hr 44 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail?

It is rated moderate, with roughly 158 m (518 ft) of total ascent. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

How long does Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail take?

Allow around 1 hr 44 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail?

April to October is the most reliable window. It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths.

Can you bring dogs on Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 7.2 km with 158 m (518 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

Name: Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail
Address: Idaho, United States

ModerateIdaho · United States

GPX

Distance: 7.2 km (4.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 70 m (230 ft)
Typical time: 1 hr 44 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 771 m (2,530 ft)

About Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail is a 7.2 km hiking route in Idaho, United States. It climbs roughly 158 m (518 ft) along the way. Most people take around 1 hr 44 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The route is maintained by Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

In short, Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate7.2 km70 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation profile

Ascent: +70 m
Descent: −82 m
High: 771 m (2,530 ft)
Low: 715 m (2,346 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

7.2 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 34/100
Adventure: 20/100
Difficulty: 21/100
Accessibility: 66/100
Family: 36/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

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Expert

Pacific Northwest Trail 02 Idaho

Idaho · United States

Distance: 156 km
Elevation gain: 5,148 m
Typical duration: 41 hr

Mountain
Waymarked route
Long-distance path

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