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Hi Hikers,
With Fall colors about to explode, we all want to be in the outdoors. But there are real hazards that we all must be aware of. Dress in bright colors that are not the same colors as the foliage around you. Hunters orange is a color that Nature doesn’t necessarily make. Wearing a hunters orange stocking cap is wise. If a hunter sees that color, there’s less chance of someone mistaking you for an animal. Staying on trails is wise, because hunters rarely hunt where they know people will be walking. But they may be in a position to shoot animals that are avoiding humans, that may be on trails. As any hike in bear country, make lots of noise. Yell like you are talking to a person 200’ from you or if the bear is near a creek, or you surprise it around a corner. MAKE NOISE!! Observe any car or truck that is not parked in regular parking areas. Be very observant during hunting season. If you have other ideas, please feel free to email them to me. At the bottom of each page is an envelope directly to me. Be safe and enjoy our Fall colors, Chic David InlandNWRoutes.com
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Below I will list the hikes in our region that will cause oohs and ahs at every turn.
When you plan for Autumn hikes, please be sure to have extra clothes, food and water, and traction devises for your boots. By the end of September, you may find light snow on many trails. With the amount of foliage I have encountered, this Autumn may be the best fall colors in some time. Below are low land trails, that will offer fall colors. Red Top Mountain and Hidden Lake. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/red-top-mountain-6266-trail-102.html The hardest part of this hike is the drive. It’s about 3 hours to the trailhead, via Copeland, Idaho. Once on the trail, you will walk a forested ridge line, that lights up in the fall. The trail will hike to the top of Joe Peak, then down to Hidden Lake. All along the trail, the fall color will amaze you Marie Creek Trail # 241 https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/marie-creek.html This hike is located north of Wolf Lodge Bay, and takes you along Marie Creek after you walk thru the forest for about a mile. It is an easy hike to the washed out creek at about 2 miles. On your return hike, stop by the cliffs off to the right (north) of the open field, and look at the campsite built out of rocks from the near by cliffs. Spokane Conservation Future Properties https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/spokane-county-conservation-futures.html In Spokane County you will find 17+ hiking areas to choose from. By clicking on the above url, it will take you to the Spokane County Futures Tax Properties, website. These properties are usually easy to moderate, and hike thru very diverse terrains all around Spokane County. Saltese Uplands and Flats https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/saltese-flats-wetland-trail.html This hike has some up hill hiking but nothing serious. The views of Mica Peak and the surrounding wetlands, will light up earlier than the high country Wallace L. Forrest Conservation Area url….. BLM wallace l forest conservation area The Wallace L.Forest Conservation Area is managed by the BLM. It contains 736 acres of forest and open grassy terrain, and has a cool overlook on its south border. On it’s west side, is a day use area with a dock and picnic area. The road that skirts the south side, was once Hwy 10, but now along the Wolf Lodge Bay is I-90. Way back in the NW corner is a small section of the famous Captain John Mullan Road. The John Finch Arboretum https://my.spokanecity.org/urbanforestry/programs/finch-arboretum/ As you drive west on I-90, headed towards Seattle, on your right, next to the freeway, as you are on the longup hill road is the wonderful John A, Finch Arboretum, to enjoy. This arboretum has every tree, shrub and bush that is native to our region. If you call the arboretum soon, you can find when they start raking up the fallen leaves. If you go just before they rake, the entire area is covered in 6+ inches of fallen leaves. Along Garden Springs Creek are a few small waterfalls. If you can make it by mid Roctober, you will be amazed. MORE MODERATE HIKES Mount Spokane State Park https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/mount-spokane-state-park Mount Spokane has many trails that have great fall colors. Log onto the above url and examine their trail system. But don’t forget to hike to the summit. The Vista House and the views are exceptional. Don't miss the Quarts Mountain fire lookout, that has excellent views of Spokane and the valley. RIVERSIDE STATE PARK https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/riverside-state-park RSP is a very large area along the Spokane River. The Bowl and Pitcher hike crosses a bridge that spans the river. Once across, you will be hiking in a blackish basalt wonderland. When the colors are at their best, the contrast is amazing. STRENUOUS HIKES The next two hikes are so incredible, you won’t want to miss either of them. Upper & Lower Stevens Lakes, Idaho https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/upper-and-lower-stevens-lake.html This hike is located 3.5 miles SSE of Mullan, Idaho, up Willow Creek. The hike to the upper lake is 5 miles round trip, with 1780 feet of gain. Don’t let the moderate distance and gain fool you. This trail is complicated to hike. The Fall colors at the lakes are the best in our region. But do not miss this hike in the next 30 days, providing it doesn’t snow or have a freeze event. At the bottom of the of this write up are three historical articles, worth reading. Lone Lake & the Upper Sanctuary https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/lone-long-lake-lakes.html Don’t miss this fall color hike. From the lake, looking SSE, is the most dynamic face of Stevens Peak 6838’ After spending some time at the lake, walk the west shore line to the back of the lake and a small waterfall. The “trail” is near the waterfall, and skirts the small stream, up past a long pond. Walk the left side up into the Upper Sanctuary. Up in the Sanctuary, there are two rock mounds. Choose the right mound and you will be in awe. The face of Stevens Peak in the fall is more than spectacular. COOL DRIVES Hwy 20 Drive north on Hwy 20 out of Newport, Wa. towards Boundary Dam. The entire drive, lights up in brilliant colors. Along the way, by Ione, DO NOT MISS the waterfalls at the Sweat Water Rest area. Hwy 56 Drive to Sandpoint, and take Hwy 200 into Montana. At about 17 miles turn north up Hwy 56. On the east side is the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, while on the west side is the Proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. When you get to Hwy 20 in Montana, take a right (east) to Kootenai Falls. AUTUMN HIKING SAFETY Because it’s Autumn, please dress for cold weather, and the possibility of rain or snow. Wear waterproof boots and carry traction devises, and be safe. A thermos of hot chocolate would be wise. Where ever you go, be safe and enjoy our fall colors. David and I would like to thank you for reading and using our local website. Chic David https://www.inlandnwroutes.com |
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November 2025
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