Trail 8, Penn, and Cave Trail Loop

4.4 (542 reviews) · Moderate · Idaho Panhandle National Forest Overview AllTrails Note: The map shown here has the hiker going counter-clockwise. The trail can also be done clockwise, starting uphill on Trail 8. This area is within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Be on the lookout for mountain bikes and motorcycles as this area is heavily used by them. The trails in this area can be poorly marked. Contrary to the name, there is no actual cave on this route. The name refers to a large hole a miner dug years ago.

Vehicles: Jeep/Truck, SUV, ATV, UTV, Dirt Bike. Standard maintenance and a spare tire cover the basics here.

Southwest Idaho context

Southwest Idaho splits across the Snake River. South of the river is Owyhee high desert — sage flats, slickrock canyons, and a million-plus acres of BLM. North is the Boise National Forest, with mining-era roads, ponderosa, and quick out-of-Boise access. Most weekend trips work off Boise, Mountain Home, Marsing, or McCall.

Best for drivers who understand their vehicle and the cost of a mistake in remote country.