Lick Creek Range Road (Forest Road 360)
Ridge running the Idaho-Montana divide
Forest Road 360 traces the spine of the Lick Creek Range for 42 miles along the Idaho-Montana border, offering some of the finest ridge running in the Northern Rockies. The route starts near Nordman and climbs through dense cedar and hemlock forests before breaking into alpine meadows above 6,000 feet. At Roman Nose Lakes, the road reaches its highest point with panoramic views stretching from Glacier National Park to the Selkirk Mountains, while the Cabinet Wilderness unfolds directly below the narrow ridgeline.
This is moderate 4WD territory requiring high clearance and good tires – the main challenges are loose rock on steep grades and occasional deadfall across the trail. Weather window runs June through October, though early and late season can bring snow at higher elevations. No permits needed, but fuel up in Sandpoint and carry extra water. Excellent dispersed camping opportunities exist near Roman Nose Lakes and Pack River Divide. The route provides unmatched access to high country without the crowds of more famous destinations, perfect for overlanders seeking solitude and big views.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 42 mi / 67.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Nordman, Idaho |
| Land manager | Idaho Panhandle National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or 4Runner make it up Lick Creek Range Road?
Yes, any stock 4WD with decent ground clearance will handle this gravel road fine. The surface is well-maintained forest service road, not technical rock crawling.
Is Forest Road 360 accessible in winter or early spring?
No, the road is typically closed from November through May due to snow at 6,400 feet elevation. June through October is your window, with July-September being most reliable.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive Lick Creek Range Road?
No permits or fees required - it's a public forest service road through Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Just follow standard Leave No Trace principles.
What's the most challenging section of the 42-mile route?
The higher elevation stretches around mile 25-35 can get rocky with some loose gravel, but nothing that requires lockers or serious rock crawling skills.
How's cell service for the 1-2 day trip and where can I camp?
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent once you're on the ridge, so download offline maps. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest with plenty of flat spots along the route.