Headwaters Loop, Moose Marbles, etc. 9/14/2025
Moose Marbles and Wagon Trail to Southside Loop Trail
Yesterday I drove out to Moscow Idaho to hike The Headwaters Loop, and connect it to several other trails. Several people in town had recommended the area, and I was looking for something simple, and close to Lewiston. I was in a situation where I couldn't be too far from the house, and at 10 miles, and only 1600 feet of elevation gain, this appeared to be a good choice.
The trail started off as a forest road walk, before the real trail headed into the forest. As soon as I entered the forest, it become apparent that this would be a beautiful forest hike. I saw very few people on the trail, I suspect due to the rain forecast. My intention was to make this quick hike, and be out before the rain started. Boy was I wrong. I made a wrong turn during the first loop, and had to backtrack, which added a few extra miles, and elevation gain. When I reached the halfway point at Paradise Point I felt the first few rain drops, and decided that was good signal to make my way off the mountain as quick as possible. The trail is very well maintained, and marked, which made running down easy. There were very few rocks, and roots to trip over. While I was running down the mountain the rain picked up significantly, and I got thoroughly soaked. Eventually I stopped under a tree, changed my shirt, and put my jacket on (which was not waterproof). The rain eventually slowed to a drizzle, and I was able to keep warm by running.
When I got back to the truck I removed my soaked jacket, and dried off as best as I could. By the time I got to town I was mostly dry, and warm.
This was a great hike, and I'd recommend it. There are a number of different trails on the mountain, each with their signs which indicate difficulty levels. The views aren't all that spectacular, but the trails are very well marked, and maintained. It's also very popular trail with mountain bikers.
