Friends of Scotchman Peaks launches new hike challenge
The Western News | The Western News | UPDATED 1 day, 3 hours AGO
A group of hikers enjoy an outing in the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness near Clark Fork, Idaho. (Courtesy photo)
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) is excited to introduce Hike-a-Day-May, a new community hiking challenge designed to get people outside, moving and connected to our wild places close to home.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this challenge is designed to encourage you to spend more time on local trails, enjoy the benefits of nature, and build community along the way. Whether it’s a short evening jaunt, a weekend summit, a trail run, or a stroll with friends, every hike counts as long as it’s on a trail.
“After a long, dark winter, we could all use a little fresh air and a reset,” said FSPW Programs Manager, Savannah Willison. “Hike-a-Day-May is about building healthy habits, reconnecting with nature, getting our trail legs ready for a long summer of hiking and trail stewardship and having fun outdoors together.”
Participants can track their hikes throughout the month of May by visiting scotchmanpeaks.org and clicking the Hike-a-Day-May tab for instructions and registration details. Hikers are responsible for logging and updating their own miles and days on the trail. Participants may join the challenge at any time.
The challenge is also meant to be shared with your community. You're encouraged to invite friends, family, and coworkers to join in and keep each other motivated all month long. At the end of May, the person who hikes the most days will earn the coveted title of “Hike-a-Day-May Royalty” and be featured in FSPW’s Insider e-newsletter and on the our website.
To celebrate the end of the challenge and kick off summer trail season, FSPW will host National Trails Day celebrations during the first week in June at Utara Brewing Co. in Sandpoint and Cabinet Mountain Brewing in Libby. Additional details will be announced soon.
Looking for inspiration or hiking partners? We’re also kicking off our free summer hike series this month! Sign up for a hike and get out on a new trail, learn something new, and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Upcoming Free Guided Hikes
- May 12, 2026 — Wildflower ID Hike
- May 17, 2026 — Swamp Creek Fire History Hike
- May 23, 2026 — Big Spar Trail Hike
- June 3, 2026 — Birding on Dry Creek
To learn more, sign up for hikes, or join the challenge, visit scotchmanpeaks.org and navigate to Get Involved, Hiking and Events.