Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:27:49 -0700WeeblyThu, 27 Aug 2026 23:42:42 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-111-do-you-like-chocolate-while-you-hikeBeing a chocoholic, I have figured a way to have and enjoy chocolate while hiking, without the mess.
Buy the small “FUN SIZE” chocolates of your choice, and carry a few of them in your pocket.
Over time while hiking, they will melt. Then just tear a corner like you do to open a ketchup pack, and squeeze the luscious chocolate into your mouth.
No mess, no worries.
But please put the packaging in a small ziplock and them carry out.

Enjoy

Chic      David
​
InlandNWRoutes.com]]>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:48:45 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-110-plan-aheadIn planning for a trip, please utilize our WEATHER SECTION information. There you will find ways to see how the conditions are where you want to play.
But I would encourage you all to access our National Forest Alerts, early in your planning stage.
From late last year when the wind storms and flooding occurred, to Forest Road, closures and trail closures are numerous in each areas forests.
When you log onto our site and choose a place to play, be sure to read all the info in the first section below the lead-in photo.
Especially the url in yellow that ends in ALERTS/NOTICES.
This url will take you to all of that Forests ALERTS. PLEASE read them to make sure you can get to the trailhead, etc. and read about other information on all closures.
Washouts, land slides, fires, floods and so much more can ruin your day. By checking these Alerts, you can save time, gas and frustration. 
If by chance you can’t get to your desired hike, we have created a Section called “COOL THINGS CLOSE BY”.
These suggestions are good choices and can save your day.
A LEGAL NOTE….
If you violate any of these closures, you can be fined up to 5,000$ and/or 6 months jail time. And more for organized groups.
Please use common sense when you are planning and when you are in the field.
David and I would like to THANK YOU, our readers, for using InlandNWRoutes.com. 

Chic       David
​
InlandNWRoutes.com]]>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:08:13 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-109-how-to-poop-in-the-mountainsWhen you are planning a hike, Backpack, backcountry skiing, mnt biking, or any adventure in Nature, you must plan on what you do with your waste.
Digging a hole isn’t always the answer. On one of our trail work parties to Stevens Lakes, I noticed about a dozen large wipes floating with the logs on the north shore. After closer examination, I concluded they were wipes from after peeing.
A. Peeing or pooping within 200 feet of any water source is a strict no-no.
B. Using and leaving your wipes in the water is a pollutant.
​C. Please do not go camping in the forest, without properly deal with your waste.

Please carry at least two dog poop bags per person, and 4-5 plastic grocery bags. Make sure the grocery bags have zero holes. All of these, fold up into a square snack size ziplock bags. When you break camp and have to put out your fire, use the grocery bags to haul water. Be careful not to snag them on a branch.
Do not try to poop in the bag. Poop on the ground and reach into the bag to grab your waste. Try to keep the bag clean and pull the open end up away from your hands.  Tie the bag shut and wrap in a grocery bag. Which goes into another grocery bag to hang off the back of your pack. DO NOT store your poop bag inside your pack.
You could leave the dog bag open and put appropriate wipes, etc in it before leaving. But be aware, they can attract unwanted critters. 
You are not only treating our backcountry area properly, you could be saving down stream municipal water supplies, clean.
The old norm was to dig a hole 6+” deep, and burry your human and dog waste. But our forests, high country lakes and mountain routes need to be taken care of.
And remember, you could do us all that follow you, to a special place, a big favored by leaving a clean camp site.
Aluminum and grass DO NOT BURN!
If you were strong enough to carry your cans and bottles in full, you can certainly carry it out empty.
BUT….PLEASE DO NOT CARRY ANY GLASS INTO THE HIGH COUNTRY. DEALING WITH CUT FEET OR HANDS IS AN ISSUE. BESIDES YOU ARE LEAVING YOUR TRASH FOR OTHERS TO CLEAN UP. PLEASE THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU MAY LEAVE FOR OTHERS TO DEAL WITH.
David and I are dedicated to preserving our trails and keeping them open for all, TO ENJOY.
Chic           David

https://www.inlandnwroutes.com]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:09:26 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-108-hydrationHi InlandNWRoutes.com readers,
When the temperatures get over 70°, we all must take measures to protect ourselves and especially our hiking partners from dehydration. BUT, dehydration isn’t only linked to high temperatures. We can get dehydrated at any temperature, or conditions.
HYDRATION Hydration for a hike should start a day before your hike. Getting hydrated and staying hydrated are two different things. Start drinking cool water the day before your hike, to get your body properly saturated. Limit your caffeine intake to as little as possible. Zero is best in hot situations. The morning of your hike, start drinking water as soon as you are awake, and don’t stop for the rest of the day.
There has always been an argument about how much water we need to drink. But what you will be doing, dictates your need to hydrate. 
I KNOW THIS WILL BE HARD TO HEAR, BUT PLEASE HEED MY WARNING! DO NOT DRINK THE POPULAR ENERY DRINKS. They are loaded with caffeine and can cause heart issues in even the fittest of us.
For proper hydration, do not allow yourself to feel thirsty. If you mouth dries up, or you sweat too much, you could be in danger. At the first hint of a dry mouth, start drinking enough water to quench your thirst. Then keep drinking water so as not to feel any degree of thirst.
Always carry a water purifier like the Sawyer Mini Water Filter. It weights about 5 ounces, and can filter up to 100,000 liters of water, if properly used and cleaned. The Mini sells for about 27$ and can save you so much misery.
I carry one or two water bottles at all times. However, if there is a lot of water along your route, you only need to carry one full of water. This way, your pack weight is less at the start. As you get low on your first bottle of water, stop and filter enough water for what ever is in front of you. Planning your trip, includes knowing where water sources are along your way.
A method of telling how hydrated or dehydrated you are is very simple. When you have to pee, notice the color of your urine. If it a neon yellow, YOU ARE IN TROUBLE.  STOP AND HYDRATE THOROUGHLY, IMMEDIATELY!
Our urine should look clear. If it is not, start drinking or filtering water as soon as possible.  Slightly yellow urine is okay at that moment. But a half an hour later, it may have changed for the worse.
Consult this website’s RESOURCES…TRAIL ETIQUETTE AND SKILLS and our HINTS SECTIONS For additional info.
But most importantly, after reading any of our resources, do your own research.  If you are new to hiking, or need to learn more, don’t just rely on our website. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Know what you need to make your trip safe and pleasurable.
While you are in any of our RESOURCE SECTIONS, please read and understand everything listed.
BECAUSE….THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN TAKE INTO THE MOUNTAINS IS………………………………………………………………                                        KNOWLEDGE
Be safe and enjoy your outings in Nature.
Thank You all for reading and using our free, local website.
Chic         David

InlandNWRoutes.com ]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 23:25:09 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-108-our-trails-need-our-help​By now most of us has been on a mountain trail.
What we are finding is a huge number of downed trees on almost every trail.


I was up at Lone Lake a week ago, and came across a 3.5’ diameter tree that broke off about 12 feet above the trail, and fell across the trail.
This kind of a downed tree is very hazardous. Loggers call them “wisdom makers.”
The USFS Trails crew, and a few North Idaho Idaho Trails Association sawyers, went up and safely removed this hazard.
THANK YOU!


Usually when I go up with The Spokane Mountaineers, we rarely find downed trees. But this year there are 5 left to be cut out.


Three weeks ago, I hiked into Lower Stevens Lake to assess the amount of downed trees and any trail work that will be needed.
I counted 63 trees of all sizes down across the trail.
 And until you get near the headwall, near the old miners camp the downed trees are 3 and 4 trees deep along about 200’ of the trail.


This is the same as I’m hearing from all over the I.P.N.F.


English Point of Lancaster got hit hard. ITA was there to help with the downed trees.


I can go on and on, but what our forests need from us right now, is us. 
We are the users. We owe it to our trails, to maintain them.


These are just two trails amongst hundreds in our region, that need us.


Below are the websites for three of the primary trail maintenance groups, in our area.
Contact any of these organizations and volunteer to help our trails.


Idaho Trails Association 
https://idahotrailsassociation.org
These fine folks have work parties all over Idaho.
Their efforts are felt even up here in N. Idaho.
They also lead Wednesday hikes around Sandpoint, and Thursday hikes around Couer d’ Alene.




Washington Trails Associated 
https://www.wta.org
The WTA has an Eastern Washington Trail representative in Spokane that has built and maintained our trails for years.
Trails like FishTrap Lake west of Spokane are an example of their dedication to making our trails safe and scenic.


The Spokane Mountaineers, Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneMountaineers/
I’ve been a member of the Spokane Mountaineers for over 40 years, and am their Historian.
Our members volunteer for a number of projects with the above groups or on our own.
We are dedicated to preserving and protecting our trails and forest, all over the Inland Northwest.


One of the cool things about volunteering for the above organizations, is you get to dig in the dirt for fun.
There’s nothing like hiking back down a freshly groomed trail, and thinking…”I had something to do with this”.


If you have ever done trail work, or if you are interested in helping our trails, please contact which ever organization above you wish.


Our trails are our avenues to enjoy Nature, see the incredible sights, and to clear our minds.


Thank You for being our readers. 
Our goal is to show the beauty of our area how you can be part of it.


Chic        David   




https://www.inlandnwroutes.com]]>Sun, 17 May 2026 02:33:28 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-107-forest-alerts-and-closuresRemember back to December 17th., for a moment. The wind storm that brought 70+ mph winds, devastated many swaths of forest.
Because of these winds, many trees have been knocked down, and a lot are crossing trails.
East Fork Willow Creek has suffered hundreds of downed trees. Making your hike to the lakes take longer and more difficult now.
I have heard from other trail groups that this is not an isolated incident.
Forests and trails everywhere in our region are more difficult and time consuming than normal. BE SURE….to tap on the Forest Alert url’s  of the area you want to visit, and find out if that area is closed. If you find a closed area, DO NOT IGNORE THE CLOSURE. The finds are up to $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail, or both.
This information can be found below the opening image for each hike write up. There is also, the Ranger Districts , and the Supervisors  phone numbers. PLEASE CALL THEM IN YOUR PLANNING STAGE.
There’s nothing more aggravating than driving to a trailhead, and finding it closed. But remember, down towards the bottom of the write ups are ……..COOL THINGS CLOSE BY. Choose from them and alter your trip.
Remember what Ben Franklin once said….. “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”.
Be safe out there, and obey all closures.
Chic       David

InlandNWRoutes.com]]>Tue, 05 May 2026 21:43:36 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-106-what-a-rescue-looks-like-and-what-you-need-to-knowHi Readers,
​A few years ago, a rescue of a friend was necessary.
We were within 5 miles of Mullan, Idaho, and fortunately had cell coverage.
I called the Shoshone County Sheriff’s office, and set into motion a rescue.
Although the injury wasn’t life threatening, there is no way the victim could walk out on their own.
Or a group could carry the victim out on foot.


It was a little over 3.5 hours until the rescue leader got to us.
It took 3.5 hours?, you asked!
Below, I will explain what occurs when a rescue is called in.


After the dispatch officer evaluates our situation, she called several of the Search & Rescue team members to come to their facility where they store their equipment. 
After loading their side by side (S-S), they drove up to Lookout Pass to launch their S-S, they had to deal with soft snow.
At least once, they got stuck. Stuck to a point they had to dig themselves out.
When they got directly above us, the leader came down to us.
He assessed the situation, and radioed his crew to stay put.
Because he knows the area, he saw why it was next to impossible to get the victim out, easily.
So he made a phone call.
Within 1.2 hours, we could hear a helicopter coming our way from the east.
Hovering above us was a Two Bear Air Rescue Helicopter.
A technician was lowered to access the method of rescue needed.
He put a body harness on the victim, and within a few minutes, the two were hauled up to the helicopter. And off it went.
Because the injury was not life threatening, they dropped the victim off at Lookout Pass, to a waiting ambulance.


In reading this, it seems like 4-5 hours was a long time. But it wasn’t.
For all the people to get ready, and go through all the necessary equipment, and work towards the victim, is very time consuming.
And again, we were only 5 miles from Mullan.


During the wait, I assessed the victims condition, treated for shock, supplied OTC pain killers carefully, and monitored her condition continually. 
The other hiker went down hill looking for a spot where the trees were open, and came back up. He found a large open area below us.
I tied a sit pad to the victim, so i could carefully slide her down about a quarter of a mile.


Because the victim couldn’t move around, she became cold.
I always carry an old pair of down mittens in the bottom of my pack.
I dug them out and got her comfortable.


Since that day, she has had surgery to reattach the tendons and ligaments.
She’s back riding her bike and hiking.


Remembering that she was only 5 miles from Mullan.
Imagine if an accident occurs 20 or 30 miles from a rescue service.


Most all areas have a Search & Rescue service within their Sheriff’s Office. 
They are on call 24/7/365.
They drop what they are doing, or wake up, and head to their equipment stash.
All this takes a huge amount of time and planning. And as all planning goes, it must stay fluid, and adapt to the ever changing circumstances.


The other thing that really struck a note with me, about my friends accident.
When the Sheriff Officer got to us, I thank them for their time and trouble to come to our assistance.
After the victim was off to the ambulance, the Officer told me that in dozens and dozens of rescues he has led, we were the very first group that didn’t ask him the following question…..
“What took you so long?
These men and women are dropping what they were doing and rushing to help you.
Please be kind. 


This is why we carry the 14 ESSENTIALS.
Yes, it used to be 10 ESSENTIALS.
Then it grew to 13 ESSENTIALS.


The items in a ESSENTIAL POUCH you carry, can and has saved lives.


When we venture into Nature, WE MUST BE PREPARED for any and all circumstances. And we must be responsible for ourselves and our actions.


A few days ago, I hiked into Lower Stevens Lake, to assess the amount of downed trees from the December wind storms.
During my day to and back from the lake, there were three groups of two boys each, that were very unprepared for the walk.
All 6 young men had on only shorts and tennis shoes. 
I only saw two day packs, and none had shirts on.
The two that made the lake were pretty pink, by the time they got to the trailhead.
This kind of behavior is not acceptable.
If something happened to either of these 6 young men, they can be in danger, but worse yet, they could be putting the S&R crew in peril.


Please spend some time, and read and understand all aspects of RESOURCE, HINTS, AND MEDICAL sections.
What I’ve written isn’t enough. After reading these sections, do your own research. 
The very best and most vital thing you can take with you on any kind of outing, is………KNOWLEDGE.


Please plan well, have what you need to survive overnight, and protect yourself from stupid decisions.


Ben Franklin once said……
“If you fail to plan…you are planning to fail”


Our goal is to show you the cool places to play in our region.
But our responsibility is to provide our readers with accurate and useful information.


Thank You for reading our free, local website,


Chic          David




InlandNWRoutes.com

]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:23:15 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/april-07th-2026Sun, 05 Apr 2026 03:05:53 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-105-its-waterfall-seasonOur region is blessed with lots of beautiful waterfalls. It’s time to break out the waterproof boots, tripod, and your camera and go chase the many waterfalls in our region.
Listed below are several enjoyable and beautiful waterfalls to visit. To see more, go to the HOME PAGE Menu and ACTIVITIES to WATERFALLS And choose your state.   
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/waterfalls.html
​ To learn how to photograph any waterfall like a pro, read the above. 

WASHINGTON WATERFALLS
John A. Finch Arboretum.   SUPER EASY 
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/finch-arboretum.html
This incredible area, lies within the city of Spokane. Year round it’s a beautiful area to visit, but the Fall is the best time for fall colors.

Hawk Creek Falls State Park      SUPER EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/hawk-creek-falls-sp.html
Over near Fort Spokane, where the Spokane River merges with the Columbia River, is Hawk Creek Falls State Park. Along with a nice waterfall to see, there are many large caves, a small sand dune and beautiful views of the Mighty Columbia River.


Pewee Falls, Crawford State Park & Gardner Cave, and Boundary Dam.    EASY https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/pewee-falls.html
It is best to see these waterfalls from your canoe or kayak. Pewee Falls drop 200’ onto the Pend Orielle River. However, there is a trail to a view point near Boundary Dam, or a drive to a Vista across the Pend Oreille River, that offers views of the these spectacular falls.

Lower and Middle Palouse Falls.   EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/u--l-palouse-falls.html
These falls are so impressive, they have been named The Washington State Offcial Waterfalls. These falls are deep in the Washington Scablands, and should not be missed. When visiting these waterfalls, BE SURE to follow all park rules.

IDAHO WATERFALLS
Copper Falls.    EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/copper-falls.html
Copper Falls are nearly 160’ tall with several drops. They are located very near the US/CANADIAN boarder, just off Hwy 95. In the WInter you may find ice climbers here plying their trade. During the summer the observation deck offers great views on this impressive falls.


Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area.    MODERATELY EASE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/elk-creek-falls-recreation-area.html
Of all the waterfalls on our region, these are very spectacular to visit. There are three main waterfalls with several cascades scattered along its route. It’s a great hike with children, but keep them on the Recreation Area’s trails. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO GO DOWN TO THE FALLS While you are in the area, drive up past Elk City, the The Giant Red Cedars. This cedar forest is beyond belief. 

Hunt Creek Falls     EASE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/hunt-creek-falls.html
You will not believe, you’ve been driving past this waterfall, every time you drive north up the Priest Lakes East Shoreline Drive. It’s about .3 of a mile off East Shore, and maybe a 5 minute walk to these most spectacular falls.   Do not miss them.

Upper & Lower Snow Creek Falls.     MODERATELY EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/u--l-snow-creek-falls.html These falls are located up F.R.#402, the road to Roman Nose Lakes. About a mile after turning off frontage road, you will see the signs and parking area. As you walk this easy trail, it splits to the upper and lower waterfalls. The upper trail takes you to the impressive Upper Snow Creek Falls, while the lower takes you to a smaller, but gushing waterfall. DO NOT GO OFF THE OBSERVATION DECKS TO PHOTOGRAPH THE FALLS. ITS WAY TO DANGEROUS.


MONTANA WATERFALLS

Lower Leigh Creek Falls.       DIFFICULT 
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/leigh-lake-falls-lower.html  
As you walk up the Leigh Lake Trail #132, at about 1.2 miles, you will be amazed at this multi drop, about 100’ waterfall. As long as you are at the falls, continue up for about .3 miles to Leigh Lake. This hike is unbelievably beautiful.

St. Paul Lake Falls.        DIFFICULT 
 https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/st-paul-lake-falls.html
The hike to St. Paul Lake is 4.5 miles, but skirts the beautiful St. Paul Creek. Once at the lake, head south to several, not to miss waterfalls.


Kootenai Falls.        EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/kootenai-falls.html
Kootenai Falls is a must see torrent of water. They are located on Hwy 2 between Troy and Libby, Montana. Not only are they huge, with many drops, on the west end there is a swinging bridge. Walk across this bridge, and continue along the river eastish for more views. If you are lucky, there may be whitewater kayakers to entertain you.

OREGON
Silver Falls State Park Trail of Ten Falls      EASY
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/silver-falls-state-park.html
These waterfalls are located ENE of Salem. If you are in the area, do not miss these waterfalls set in a beautiful rainforest. Most of the falls have trails for you to walk behind.
Whenever you are anywhere around waterfalls, BE EXTRA SAFE. Years ago, I almost slid down Granite Falls up near Priest Lake.
Thank you all for reading and using our free, local website.
Chic        David
InlamdNWRoutes.com]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:59:17 GMThttps://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/blog-104-usfs-road-and-area-closures