Headwaters Loop, Moose Marbles, etc. 9/15/2025
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. 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. I decided that was good sign to make my way off the mountain as quick as possible. The trail was very well maintained, and easy to run. I started running down the mountain when the rain really started coming down. Eventually I stopped under a tree, changed shirts, and put my jacket on (which was not waterproof). The running mostly kept me warm, even though I was properly drenched.
When I got back to the truck I removed my jacket, and dried off quickly during the drive back into town. By the time I got to town I was mostly dry, but my shoes remained soaked for another day.
This was a great hike, except for the rain, and I'd recommend it. The views aren't all that spectacular, but the trails are very well marked, and maintained. It's also very popular with mountain bikers, and I saw few of them.
