The Enchanted Forest
In 2018, through the generosity of Xmas Hills, LLLC and in loving memory of Caroline Farnsworth, 9B Trails acquired more than 1100 acres of private land to develop hiking, biking, equestrian, snowshoeing and Nordic trails for the public to use and to enjoy.
Located on the outskirts of Bonners Ferry, more than 25 miles for trail users of all levels of skill and ability are designed. The Enchanted Forest is a rare gem and promises to offer a mystical adventure through a magical forested retreat.
Trail Activity: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Trail Running, Snowshoeing
Hoot Owl Trailhead 1: 322 Hoot Owl Road
Cow Creek Trailhead 2: 6611 Cow Creek Road
Length: 11.5 Miles built to date (2023/2024)
Difficulty: Intermediate - P.S. be ready for a fairly steady climb on the trails from the Hoot Owl Parking area.
Trail Facilities: Gravel Parking Lot, Kiosk, Portable Toilet (Hoot Owl-Seasonal), Pack it in/Pack it out, Interpretative Signage
Biking & Hiking Trail Descriptions:
Hoot Owl Parking Lot:
- Cabin Trail: 2 Miles - Single-track, some natural obstacles, optional man-made obstacles & features, 0-8% average grade with switchbacks
- Unchained Trail: 2.1 Miles – Single-track, minimal natural obstacles, 0-10% average grade with switchbacks
- North Ridge Trail: 0.9 Mile – Single-track, some natural obstacles, optional man-made obstacles & features, undulating 0-6% average grade
- Plantation Trail: 2 Miles – Single-track, some natural obstacles, 0-6% average grade (Northernmost loop - beautiful meadow views and easier on the lungs)
- Equinox Trail: 1.4 Mile (more slated) – This is the main upper trail along the eastern property boundary. This is designed so that all other trails climb up to or drop off of Equinox back down to one of the parking areas. Single-track, some natural obstacles , optional obstacles & features, 0-6% average grade
Cow Creek Parking Lot (Coming Soon):
- Lower Equinox Connector Trail: (Slated 2024)
- EF Progressive Skills Park (Slated: 2024/2025) - See: Enchanted Forest Skills Park
Idaho Forest Owners Assocation
9B TRAILS - ENCHANTED FOREST PARTNERSHIP
This project creates educational interpretive signage on developed trails in a privately owned working forest in Boundary County that is open to the public for hiking or mountain biking. In cooperation with the landowner family, the 9B Trails Association, and Inland Forest Management, Inc. consulting foresters, IFOA-EF created and installed interpretive signs explaining several sights and features found within this well-managed forest.
For more information: https://www.ifoa-ef.org
Sponsors & Donors
Thank you all of our trail sponsors who have helped make The Enchanted Forest trail system a reality!
INNOVIA FOUNDATION:
- Grant for a new parking lot and trail signage
EQUINOX:
- Grant for 2021 new trail work
- Grant for 2023 new trail work
KG & T SEPTIC:
- One portable toilet during the season.
HANK WILLIS DENTISTRY: Trail Donation
