Idaho Adventures: The Secret Trail and Pack River Spot You Won't Find on Maps

We are excited to share a hidden gem we stumbled upon in Northern Idaho, and of course, a bit of drama that we hinted at in last week’s episode.

Uncovering Gold Creek Trail to the Pack River: A Hidden Gem Near Lightning Creek

This week's episode is about our recent adventure about 20 minutes outside of Sandpoint, Idaho, where we found ourselves on State Route 200, heading toward Clark Fork, a familiar route to our favorite spot, Lightning Creek. However, this time, we veered off the beaten path and discovered something truly special.

Directions to Gold Creek Trail:

• Start: State Route 200 toward Clark Fork.

• Landmark: After about 5 miles, take a left on Colborn Culver Road.

• Cross the Pack River Bridge: Keep an eye out for people tubing down the river—this is a popular local activity.

• Turn Right onto Gold Creek Road: After crossing the bridge, the next right is Gold Creek Road.

• Find the Trailhead: Drive about a mile and a half down Gold Creek Road, where you'll find a parking lot on the right side.

Beautiful beach, wonderful views and rejuvenating water

The trail, while not listed on any major mapping platforms like AllTrails or Gaia GPS, leads to a beautiful sandy beach. With crystal-clear, waist-deep water and a shaded hike through forest and meadow, this is the perfect spot for a secluded day of relaxation.

Our Adventure, Interrupted

We set out with our three dogs, excited for a day of sun and relaxation. The beach was serene, the water was just cold enough to be refreshing, and the weather was a perfect 85 degrees. We set up our screen house, James opened up a beer, and we prepared for a peaceful day.

Poor Normie :(

But as soon as we settled in, our dog Norman, who has a knack for getting into trouble, came running back with a face full of porcupine quills. This was his third run-in with a

porcupine in as many years, and it’s always a nightmare to deal with. After weighing our options (and James finishing his drink), we decided not to take him to the vet this time. Instead, we spent the next hour or so painstakingly pulling out the quills ourselves.

It’s heartbreaking to see him in pain, but we’re hoping this tough love will finally teach him to stay away from those prickly creatures. Despite the disruption, the spot was incredible, and we’re definitely planning a return visit—though maybe next time, without the dogs.

A Quick Pit Stop at the Pack River Store

One thing we kept hearing from locals and fellow adventurers was about the Pack River Store. Located not far from Lightning Creek, this little joint is known for having the best food in Northern Idaho. Run by a husband and wife team, the store offers cured, smoked, and roasted meats, along with homemade jams, salads, and more. They even provide groceries, gas, propane, and showers—a godsend for anyone dispersed camping in the area.

We’ve yet to try it ourselves, but it’s high on our list for the next visit. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out. We’ll be sure to give a full review in a future episode.

A Reflection on Our Journey

In the second half of this episode, we answered a listener’s question about how the pandemic affected our lives and the direction we’ve taken since. Moving off-grid was a huge catalyst for change, allowing us to realize that we didn’t need to fit into societal molds. The pandemic reinforced this, showing us that time and freedom are far more valuable than money.

We’ve since transitioned into a life of travel, working odd jobs here and there and living off much less than we used to while enjoying life so much more. The freedom to explore places like Gold Creek Trail, and to share these experiences with you is something we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Join Us on Our Journey

If you’re enjoying our content and want to see more hidden gems like Gold Creek Trail, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook for updates and more.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time, happy cruising!

<3Cara