BLOG # 103 TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD

I realize many of you are distraught about no snow in our mountains.
And so am I. I haven’t skied a single day this year, yet.
A seasoned skier or outdoors person must realize, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature, when we venture out.
WE MUST TAKE THE BAD WITH THE GOOD!
Hopefully, snow will come soon.
The best way to get outdoors, is to snowshoe, hike, bike in the areas that are usually too snowy to play in.
The reason I bring this up, has another bit of bad news.
If we don’t get our normal snowpack, our summer will be very poor and very dangerous. 
Because of the possibility of less snowpack, it’s time to get out and hike before forest fires and forest closures are enforced.
Below are a variety of areas to consider.


Marie Creek Trail #241
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/marie-creek.html
The Marie Creek trail is located due north of Woof Lodge Bay, and is a pleasant walk along Marie Creek and a huge cliff band.
This hike can be extended by following old trails and current roads to make the hike a loop.


Wallace L Forest Conservation Area
https://www.blm.gov/visit/blue-creek-bay-recreation-site-and-trail
This BLM area is on the north side of Wolf Lodge Bay, with its trailhead on the east shore of  Blue Creek Bay.
The trail wonders around a 700+ acre forest with several trail options. Way back on the NE corner is a section of the Mullan Trail.


Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Area 
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/elk-creek-falls-national-recreation-area.html
This area is a great visit Amy time of the year.
It is located about 44 air miles south of St Maries, Idaho.
Altho there may be some snow on the trails, it’s an easy hike with a half a dozen waterfalls to visit.
GIANT WESTERN RED CEDAR GROVE
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/giant-cedar-grove-trail.html
While you are in the area, NE of the town Elk River at about 12 miles, is the Giant Western Red Cedars.
Do not miss this side trip. The Giant is in the width of 12-18 feet in diameter.
Mineral Ridge, BLM Hike
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/mineral-ridge.html
By now, most people have walked this trail because of its ease and close to CDA.
If you want a slightly harder workout, hike this trail clockwise.
And when you get to the Caribou shelter, be sure to walk the mile out to the Wilson Overlook.
Mount CDA Trail #79
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/mount-cda-trail-79-caribou-ridge.html
This trailhead is located about .5 miles south of the Mineral Ridge parking lot, in the Beauty Bay Camp Grounds.
But be aware…this trail is long and moderately difficult, due to its elevation gain.


Navigation Trail # 291
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/navigation-trail-291.html
This low land trail skirts the west side of the Upper Priest Lake Thoroughfare, and leads to the south end of Upper Priest Lake.
To further your hike, you can continue up the west shore line for as long as you like.
Revett Lake
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/revett-lake.html
Check with the Idaho roads to make sure the road to Thompson Pass is at least open to the pass.
The actual trailhead is about 1 miles SW of the Thompson Pass parking area, up a road.
It’s a relatively easy and short hike to a nice high country lake.
To extend your hike, walk the left or SE shore to the back of the lake.
But I would suggest returning on the same side of the lake. 
The NW “trail” is poor at best and not a good choice this time of the year.
Lowe & Upper Blossom Lakes
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blossom-lake.html
This great hike starts at Thompson Pass, and has a rebuilt trail to all three lakes.
But be aware, this time of the year, the trail may be snowy.
The Upper Lake is an easy walk, and has a slightly more difficult trail to Pear Lake to extend your hike.
Sullivan Lake Trail # 504
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/sullivan-lake-shore-line.html
This hike skirts the east shore south to the Noisy Creek Campgrounds. If by chance you have a kayak or Canoe, you can return via the lake.
Be sure to carry your paddling gear with you if you do this hike/paddle. And padlock your boats to a tree when you are hiking.
In this area are several attractions worth doing.

Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Trail 

Elk Creek Falls (not related to the above Elk Creek hike), has a nice small waterfall up by the Ranger District Headquarters.
But do not miss the Boundary Dam area and it’s two overlooks of Pewee Falls on the Upper Priest River, south of the dam.
Pulaski Trail
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/pulaski-tunnel-trail.html
Just 1.5 miles south on the downtown Wallace, is a great trail to experience an easy trail to an old mine that Ed Pulaski used to save many firefighters lives during the Great Fire of 1910.
The entire length of the trail has infosigns to guide you and tell the heroic story of how Ed Pulaski saved the firefighters.

Mickinnick Trail #13
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/mickinnick-trail.html
Outside of Sandpoint, Idaho is the Mickinnick Trail, that offers a good workout and even better views. 
However, take you snowshoes or traction devises.
A big draw of this trail is the Winter Wonderland for photography.


SPOKANE COUNTY CONSERVATION FUTURES PROPERTIES
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/spokane-county-conservation-futures.html
If you want to stay close to Spokane, check out the nearly two dozen conservation properties.
All over Spokane County are open spaces the county has accumulated just for people to get outside and enjoy the uniqueness of Spokane County trails.
A great challenge is to hike all of the properties in one year.
It will help your mood and build your muscles all at the same time.
And don’t forget the Washington Scablands, in my BLOG #102


THINGS TO TAKE ON WINTER HIKES
Most importantly, PLEASE read and memorize several sections of our website.
They are RESOURCES, HINTS, WEATHER, AND MEDICAL INFO.
This knowledge is a must for anyone venturing into Nature, any time of the year.
Always carry more warm clothes than you think you might need. Weather can change rather fast in the mountains.
Carry your 14 ESSENTIALS and plenty of toe, hand and body warmers.
If the sun is out on your hike, be sure to apply sun tan lotion before the hike and as needed along your hike.
Take lots of water and food to fuel your walk.
David and I suggest that you download the app AirFlare.
It’s a rescue app that weights nothing and only costs $4.99 a year.
All you have to do, if needed, is push the SOS button, and stay where you are. Just remember, rescues take many hours to reach their victims. Stay where you first push the button. If you move, they may be looking for your location in the wrong place.


If any of you have questions about anything on our website, please feel free to contact me, by using the envelope at the bottom of every page of our website, it will go directly to me.
If your inquiry is upcoming, please email me at least three days before you hike day.
David and I would like to Thank all of you who used our website.
In 2025, we had 57,000 hits.
Thank You,
Chic         David
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com