After Cougar Bay, I continued on my road trip toward Montana. I still had one more area I wanted to explore before arriving at the cabin – the silver-mining district in the Idaho Panhandle.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
My second hike of the day was the Pulaski Tunnel Trail near the small town of Wallace, Idaho. This is a strenuous four-mile hike with a fascinating history. At the top of the path, there is an overlook across from the tunnel.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
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In the summer of 1910, fires devastated millions of acres across Idaho, Montana, and Washington. Ranger “Big Ed” Pulaski led a fire crew of 45 men into the Nicholson mine (now called the Pulaski Tunnel). He was able to save all but six. Along the way, there are signs with historical information including maps, photos, and quotes.
Don’t let the flat, paved entrance fool you – soon the trail changes to dirt and gravel. It seemed like 70% to 80% was uphill. The positive is that it is easier on the way back. The trail is beautiful, through the forest along a river. There are also small waterfalls within viewing distance.
Frisco Mill
From Wallace, I passed another historical site, Frisco Mill, that was not in my plan. In 1892, mine owners sought to break a strike by bringing in Midwestern replacements.
In July, a gun battle broke out between the owners and union miners. Unionists gained the advantage when they sent a boxful of black powder down a fume into the four-story mine building, shattering it. From along the road, you can see the remains on the hill.
I would not recommend the route GPS had me take from the Pulaski Trail to Troy, Montana. It was a narrow gravel road, filled with potholes and large rocks. There was also a section of multiple switchbacks along a cliff-side. In the dark, it was a hard drive.