Scout Mountain and East Fork of Mink Creek is a 8.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pocatello, Idaho that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and camping.
We started early (6:30 a.m.) and were grateful because a large portion of the trail is exposed...lots of sunshine! We hiked July 25th and the creek was pretty well dry, just a trickle, but there were plenty of wildflowers. We were there on a Saturday, but it wasn’t too busy, especially early on. I think we saw 5 hiking parties in total, two motorcycles and two ATVs. I was born and raised in Pocatello, love to hike, but for some reason had never been all the way up Scout Mountain. We loved the views.
Very good trail. Did not expect the first two miles uphill. The saddle provided for a very nice break. The ATV riders were very good, the dirt bikes could have used better manners.
Leaving from scout mountain campground moderate rated combination of trails. Beautiful views and forest service maintained trails with varied multi-use.
To get to the top of Scout Mtn it’s close to 13mi and 2200 ft according to my recording on AllTrails App. There is an array of peaks on top so you can walk a bit further for a better view. First ~4mi was in wooded area with lots of pretty flowers; the ~2.5mi to the top have little shade but great view. One snow patch near the top but we just went up the slope a little to pass. It wasn’t too busy on a Friday in mid-June, we saw bikers and ATVs but everyone was nice and respectful.
This is a great hike but this is not the complete trail. To actually get to the top of Scout Mountain is 6.2 miles each way making for 12.4 round trip. Total elevation gain is right about 1,900 feet. But it is worth it as it has absolutely gorgeous views of Arbon Valley and McCammon area. You can see most of Pocatello from the top as well as all the way to American Falls!
Quite enjoyed our overnight backpacking trip. We didn’t make it all the way to the end of the trail, because a few miles in we found a perfect little camping spot next to a small pond, decided to pitch camp. But the hike, the whole experience was beautiful, although the bugs are plenty. It felt like a genuine “natural wilderness” experience, unlike some of the other hiking options near Pocatello. Overall, definitely recommend!
Fun September hike especially early in the day. Once you get to Mountaintop Road, there won't be any shade. I did this hike with a young Minischnauzer, which was just about as much as he could handle. I left the campground trailhead at 8:30 a.m. and got to the very top at 11:30 a.m. I was back down by the start of the trailhead at 1:30 p.m. So, altogether, a five-hour hike with some very short stops along the way.
Many moments of solitude on Scout Mountain. The occasional sound of other campers in the distance was a nice gleam of mentioning others’ presence. Gentle sights of wildlife and plant life, with an enjoyable glow of sunsets and sunrises. Camp space was well-laid and cozy. Big enough for two large tents, while small enough to push for some nice walk and exploration of the area.
Really great views and , loved the shade of the trees in the morning part of the hike! Wasn't huge on sharing the trail with a lot of 4 wheelers, atvs, and motor cross bikes because of the noise and dust but overall we enjoyed it. We were able to do it with two young kids and a dog. Definitely a family friendly one!
My wife and I hiked about 4.5 miles each way on this trail, so not to the top of Scout Mountain, but far enough to enjoy some amazing scenery and views. The trail is in quite good condition in most areas. It's a bit rocky for hiking in some spots, but they are passable, and few and far between. We enjoyed it enough to want to hike it again this summer, but this time to the top!
A different twist on this trail, I started at the crestline trail head located just east of the listed start point at an elevation of 5840ft. It is a moderate hike with the steepest portion near the end of the 3 mile hike up. You will come across a fork stay to the left and you will end up on top of Scout Mtn. It is open to hikers,horses and mountain bikes, and is an out and back.
I've hiked Scout Mt for years now. And I have to say that Justice Peak is awesome! I love hiking it during the fall, the colors are breath taking. If you start at Justice Peak you will eventually come across a fork in the trail, you can either choose left which will take you to the summit of Scout "its rocky but safe for experienced climber's" or if you take the right side of the trail which will connect you to the Halve House Trail, which you can follow until you eventually hit the road.
I hiked this trail during a dry autumn; earlier in the year my experience probably would have been better. The trail is used by ATVs, and there was about three inches of moon dust to wade through, which was stirred up every time a bike or ATV passed. The view is great if you continue to the top of the mountain.