Horseback Riding

With magnificent scenery as your backdrop, Scotlyn Ranch provides almost unlimited possibilities for horseback riding. Whether it is your first time on a horse or you are a seasoned rider, we can set up rides to meet your level of experience and desire to ride. For a less experienced rider a couple of hour ride on our north trail system is a great choice. For a more experienced rider a day long ride into and through our canyon and forests will provide a ride that you will never forget.

Horseback riding here in North Central Idaho holds a special place in history as well. Lewis and Clark rode horses into this area and after the grueling trek thorough Lolo Pass met the Nez Perce Indians on the Clearwater River, only a few miles from the ranch. The expedition was worn out from the trek and ended up spending a month in our area, becoming friends with the Nez Perce and regaining their strength for the remainder of their journey. It is highly likely that some of the Lewis and Clark expedition rode through part of our ranch exploring while staying in this area during the summer of 1805. Since we are on the Nez Perce Reservation and the Nez Perce were avid horsemen, many a Nez Perce may have ridden the same trails that you will be on, hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. If you are lucky you may even find an arrowhead or other Indian artifacts on the ranch.

There are several horseback riding options:
The Horse Experience
This is a great experience for kids and adults who have never been on a horse before. We will saddle up a horse and a trainer will lead the horse around for a 10-15 minute ride. Kids can pet and learn about horses and their care and feeding and let them eat oats out of their hands.

This is an easy ride for a beginning rider, the well established trail takes you along the edge of the Norway Canyon with incredible views and across to the breaks of the Cottonwood Canyon with views of the Bitterroot Forest, the Gospel Mountains, Buffalo Hump, and more. The ride usually lasts around 1.5 – 2 hours. Early morning and late afternoon rides are usually treated to multiple wildlife sightings, including whitetail and mule deer, Elk, and possibly even a black bear.

This ride is for more experienced riders as we travel down 1,600 feet of elevation to the bottom of our canyon and through pine forests on well established trails. This is a 5-6 hour ride that will take you through some amazing and beautiful terrain. Experience the kind of riding that was done by Lewis and Clark and the first settlers to the area. Lunch will be packed in and you will enjoy eating on the edge of the Cottonwood Creek. Your experienced guide will show you some original homesteads and share some of the rich history of the area on your ride. There will be multiple creek crossings and a chance to visit our natural amphitheater and other amazing rock formations down in the bottom of the canyon.