Halliday
Eastern WashingtonBest Jun–Oct
A steep, quiet climb through the Selkirk foothills to meadow views and the rare Halliday Fen.
About This Trail
The Halliday Trail earns its reputation as a workout. Grades push 40% in places during the initial climb out of the Highway 31 corridor, and the trail receives infrequent maintenance, so expect brush and blowdowns between volunteer clearing efforts. That said, the payoff is real: wildflower meadows with views of Hooknose Mountain and the surrounding Selkirk peaks.
At 4.2 miles the trail reaches junctions with the North Fork Sullivan Trail and the Red Bluff Trail, which makes a natural turnaround for day hikers or a jumping-off point for longer trips toward Crowell Ridge. Along the way you will pass through the Halliday Fen Research Natural Area, a wetland habitat with rare plant communities that the Forest Service has set aside for ecological study.
This trail sees very few people. Fall foliage is outstanding in the larch and mixed conifer forest. Expect wet feet from stream crossings, and check recent trip reports before heading out since the trail can get brushy between maintenance seasons.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- very steep grades up to 40%
- infrequent maintenance means blowdowns and brush
- stream crossings
- limited parking at trailhead
Getting There
Room for about four vehicles at the trailhead. From Sullivan Lake Ranger Station, take Sullivan Lake Road 5 miles to Highway 31, turn right, drive 7 miles to the marked turnoff, turn right, then first left to the parking area. No pass required.
The trailhead is off Highway 31 north of Sullivan Lake. The turnoff is marked. The approach road is short but the parking area is small, so arrive early on weekends (though crowds are rare here).
No particular rush on timing. The steep start means you will warm up fast even on cool mornings. Bring trekking poles for the grade.
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