From Johnson Saddle trail #69 follows an old logging road for about a quarter mile, then moves upwards and left into the woods as a single-track. The first peak is “bagged” at the one-mile mark, but this one is pretty much completely hemmed in by fir and larch, so you won’t see much other than beargrass (lots of that!), wildflowers, and ferns. The trail then drops down the other side and bottoms out a bit after the 2-mile mark. Then it’s uphill for about another mile to the top of Green Monarch Mountain. The best views, however, can be had just before that peak, in a spot where the trees suddenly retreat and you get a spectacular view across the northern parts of the lake from Mineral Point on the west side to the Pack River Flats in the north, the town of Hope and the Idaho Cabinets across the lake, and the Clark Fork River delta, framed by Scotchman Peak to the east. A real treat!

After that, the actual Green Monarch peak is a rather uneventful hump, as new growth limits the views in all direction. We did find some pretty bird eggs, though. Then it’s down the other side, with that section of trail rather steep in places. Beware. As you head downhill the views open up to the south and you can see massive Packsaddle Mountain in the distance, its peak still covered with snow in June. To the west you stare at Schafer Peak and the looming 600-foot ascent. 

Just before the 4-mile mark the trail bottoms out and meets up with FT #105, which heads down to FR #1063. Go straight, even though the path is half-blocked by a rotting log. Then it’s uphill on a nice single-track, but the tree canopy gets very light here and the brush encroaches on the trail. There are many downed trees, which someone only recently cleared! How lucky!

Continue on upwards on the single-track, which eventually will spit you out onto an old logging road, making for easier hiking. The trail does move away into the woods once again after a bit, all the while climbing. There are a fair number of downed trees on the last quarter mile, and these all need to be climbed over. When you get to a talus slope you’re just minutes below the peak.

The only thing left of the old lookout tower are a few boards, the concrete footings, a large firering and 360-degree views that couldn’t get any better. The log outhouse that used to be there is collapsed, so you are on your own in that regard. You may find TP in the geocache hidden on the peak, though. If you are into geocaching make sure to sign the log. The cache is in excellent shape and full of goodies! TFTH!

Alternate Routes

• For a shorter hike to Schafer Peak, follow FR #278 to Tepee Creek, then switch to #1063 and follow that for a bit over a quarter mile to FT #105 leading up to the ridge