20. Salmo Mountain Research Natural Area
X ç DIFFICULTY 1
HABITAT: Subalpine forest, temperate old-
growth western red cedar/hemlock rainforest,
riparian habitat in Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
WILDLIFE: Mountain caribou, grizzly bear,
Canada lynx, gray wolf.
VIEWING OPPORTUNITY: The summit of Salmo
Mountain, home to a historic fire lookout, sits
on the west edge of the Research Natural Area
and is accessible by car in summer.
ACCESS: From the town of Metaline Falls,
Salmo Mtn. © Derrick Knowles
drive north on State Route 31 about 2 miles
past the Pend Oreille River Road Bridge and turn right toward Sullivan Lake. From Sullivan Lake, drive east on NF Road 22 about 6
miles to the junction with Pass Creek Pass Road. Continue left on NF
Road 2220 toward Salmo Mountain. Drive 13 miles to NF spur Road
270. Follow 270 to its end and the lookout.
Moose (Alces alces)
The largest member of North America's deer family, moose are easily
recognized by their long, gangly legs
paired with massive shoulders and
palmate antlers on the bulls. Moose
are almost exclusively east-of-theCascade Mountains residents. Of
the 1,500 moose estimated to live
in Washington, nearly all are found
in the Selkirk Mountains. Moose are
equal-opportunity foragers. In the
dry forests of northeast Washington,
they often browse the nutrient-loaded new plant growth that sprouts following disturbances such as wildfire.
However, they are most at home in
the various wetlands of northeast
Washington, such as Bunchgrass
Meadows near Sullivan Lake.
Wildlife Viewing & Recreation Guide
~Final_Draft_Guide.indd 25
© David Moskowitz
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3/11/13 3:05 PM
