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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
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HI READERS, HIKERS, SNOWSHOERS, AND ALL TYPES OF SKIERS
It’s sad that Winter isn’t happening as it should, but it can be a good thing, also. West of Spokane is the Washington Channeled Scablands. Often during late Winter early Spring, Winter is raging around Spokane, and the Scabs can be a shorts and t-shirt walk. But do always carry the gear to stay comfortable. The winds can be brutal. Below are places to survive the lack of Winter. Please carry your 14 ESSENTIALS, and other personal gear to stay safe. Arm yourself with Google Earth satellite views for reference once you get into the depth of these areas. Maps and brochures are a must.' DO NOT FILTER AND STAY AWAY FROM ANY WATER OUT IN THE SCABS. THAT INCLUDES YOUR PETS. Wear sturdy boots and BE AWARE, this is rattlesnake country. Most likely, you won’t see any because it’s too cold. But with the weather we’ve been having, precaution is a must. Avoid south facing rocks, brush, trees. If they are out, they are sunning themselves to get warm. They are cold blooded critters. By using poles, you can probe areas you can’t see. There are also shin guards made of plastic that will prevent snake bites. No matter where you hike in the Scabs, do it safely, and carefully. When you hike out there, discuss the route and landmarks with your companions, from the start of the hike, to the objective. You may walk around a mesa, and have unfamiliar views. I often use my poles to mark intersections, off trail walks, and the walk down to Towell Falls, with arrows back to the trailhead. Make them obvious, large, and so you can’t miss them on the return hike. Hiking in The Scabs require the skill to pay very close attention to your route and where you going and returning to. Most these hikes are simple out and back hikes. But the Quincy Lakes area requires better Google Earth images. Any where you hike, xc ski, snowshoe, etc. in Winter, be 100% able to spend the night. You never know what can happen. To read about the items and skills needed to hike, read our RESOURCES, HINTS, AND THE WEATHER SECTIONS. And remember….KNOWLEDGE IS THE NUMBER 1 item on your checklist. Without KNOWLEDGE, you put your self and others in harms way. All of the below hikes are on this local website. Relatively Easy Hikes EASY STEAMBOAT ROCK https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/steamboat-rock.html Steamboat Rock is a mass of basalt that is 1 sq mile is size, and stands 700’ above the campgrounds. Once on top, walk either way around the elongated rock. Take a phone picture of where you summited the rock, so you are assured that it is your way down. The views all around the rock are interesting geological features. https://wenatcheeoutdoors.org/2022/11/21/steamboat-rock-its-not-a-rock/ Because the rock is basalt, I strongly suggest sturdy boots and hiking poles. FISHTRAP LAKE https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/fishtrap-lake.html FishTrap Lake is only about 25 miles west of Spokane, an offers an easy up to 6.5 mile hike around the lake. In some places, there are hooknose beaches, and pot holes to see. Waterfowl is very common here. HAWK CREEK FALLS S.P. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/hawk-creek-falls-sp.html As you drive to Hawk Falls, you may think it’s in a blah setting. But that will change as soon as you turn off the Miles Creston Road N, and you see this waterfall you’ll be hooked. The slightly more difficult walk out to see the Columbia River, is worth the effort. Along the route are long beaches in Winter, several caves, and a small sand dune below a steep Cliff. LENORE CAVES AND LAKE https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/lake-lenore-caves--mesa.html The walk to the caves are easy and interesting to see. To extend your walk, look for a route above to the basalt cliffs. Wander about on these mesas for views. PALOUSE FALLS S.P. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/apps/search?q=Palouse+ The Palouse Falls are the official waterfalls of Washington State. It can be viewed from several observation points along the rim. But de aware…it is a very popular park to visit. The falls drop 198’ into a spectacular plunge pool. SUN LAKES S.P. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/dry-falls-sun-lakes-sp.html This park offers many very interesting attractions. Like the Cliff and plunge pool, of what was once the largest waterfall on earth. There are hikes down around the plunge pool lakes, and gigantic basalt mesas. It’s also a full amenity campground. TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/turnbull-nwr.html This area is a short distance west of Spokane and offers nice walking trails and wildlife viewing. Be sure to take your binoculars. Many bird species migrate thru this area. And moose are seen there. MODERATE HIKES HOG CANYON FALLS https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/hog-canyon--falls.html Real close to Spokane is a stair step waterfall named Hog Canyon. Technically it’s part of the FishTrap lake,but requires a different area to walk to. The falls drop seven times thru a narrow channel, and are best viewed from across an area where you first view the falls. NORTHRUP CANYON https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/northrup-canyon.html This area was added to the Steamboat Rock S.P. years ago and are a must see. It is a 7+ mile round trip hike with a gain of about 570’. Once past the old homestead buildings, the trail climbs gently to where you get your first view of the lake. I suggest you go off trail here and walk around the lake’s east side, and have lunch above the lake with a view. Other interesting things to see are the largest tin can collection you’ll ever see. They are from the days the Grand Coulee Dam, where workers camped and had a mess hall. Fall colors are great here ESCURE RANCH AND TOWELL FALLS https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/escure-ranch.html The first thing you notice driving into the parking area, is the unique farm buildings across Rock Creek. While hiking here, walk over to the buildings and see how to build a building that will last many lifetimes The hike to Towell Falls is only 3.2 miles one way, and drops 147’ point to point. But the trail undulates with a total of 530’ gain and lose However, as you see the falls for the first time, MEMORIZE YOUR WAY DOWN TO THE FALLS. When you leave to head back, KNOW YOUR PREVIOUS DESCENT ROUTE. It looks different from the falls. In full runoff, there are 4 falls, but only two are continuous. QUINCY LAKES & ANCIENT LAKES, DUSTY LAKE https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/breezy-hill-ancient-and-dusty-lakes.html These hikes are a bit more complicated, but well worth your time to see what makes this whole area a geological wonder. And there’s several falls and lakes to photograph. They are located NE of the GORGE AMPHITHEATER. FRENCHMANS COULEE https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/escure-ranch.html For those who want to see some great scabland geology, this hike is for you. There are several lakes, and sometimes more than three waterfalls. This hike is a must do. Thank You all for a great year on our local website. Chic David InlandNWRoutes.com Because the weather is not favorable right now, it’s time to treat your gear for the snowy wet conditions.
I have use the method below for many decades and it works. First, log onto Gearaid.com, and order their REVIVEX DURABLE WATER REPELLENT. Buy their three pack, because you will eventually have to treat your hiking gear after Winter. And shipping will be less. Second, buy Arm & Hammer powder laundry soap. Third, wash your jackets, bibs, or ski pants using the above product, only. (NOTE…do not use conventional laundry soap. They have too many chemicals that could be harmful to your ski cloths, water repellency) Forth, rewash your gear again WITHOUT, any Arm & Hammer. This washing will get any soap out of your clothes. DO NOT DRY YOUR GEAR. Instead, hang them where you can treat your gear without getting it on other stuff. Shake the bottle a lot to ensure a good mix. When spraying your gear, do not use the whole bottle. A 16.9 ounce bottle will do several garments. Hold the bottle about 10 inches away as you spray. Something I do, is put on a plastic food grade glove and work the sprayed DWR into the material and seams. Always treat the areas that collect snow, like top of your arms and legs, back, and seat, again after about 15 minutes. Once you are satisfied with the coverage, put your gear in the dryer on medium heat, for 30 to 45 minutes. This “cures” the DWR into the material. For reference, you can hang it in a warm room for 24 hours to “cure” it. Once dry, your gear won’t need to be retreated until you feel wetness, or rain or snow doesn’t run off your clothes like it did in your first use. If that occurs, take your gear to the shower and get it wet on the outside only. Respray and dry it or let it hang for 24 hours. This product DOES NOT contain any harmful chemicals like PFAS, or fluorocarbons. Keeping your butt dry is a pain in that proverbial area. Solve your potential discomfort, by following the above method. David and I would like to thank you for reading and using our local website. Chic David InlandNWRoutes.com The below is research that I found on how hiking helps our well being. Enjoy and get yourself ready for next Spring.        David and I would like to thank you for using our website, and hope you find that the trails hold such joy and inspiration, that you will want to experience them for your self and your well being.
Chic David https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/ There are amongst us, those that don’t hike year round.
Or even get out in the Winter to enjoy the Winter Wonderland. And that’s mildly okay. But you are missing out on some incredible beauty. So as Winter approaches, I have a suggestion. Being prepared for next Springs hiking season, is easy and very informative. You could go from being a couch potato to an enthusiast, on your own couch. Below are ideas, on our website that will teach you things that you may not know, or you may find interesting. WRITINGS First, I would suggest you go to MORE…then to WRITINGS, in the drop down menu. Over the last seven years of building our site, I came upon many Nature quotes, Adages, Essays, Notes, Writings, Stories, and included some of my personal writings. They may inspire you to visit Nature. Unlike many websites, we don’t explain the Trail foot by foot. Experiencing Nature, as you come upon it is a great part of going on a hike. OUR TRAIL STATS When you read the distance and elevation gain or loss, they are not from personal GPS unit, unless I state that or you see the word “about”, before the numbers. On a hike, if several people have GPS units, none of them will match each other. DO NOT RELY ONLY ON THEM. THEY ARE NOT A MAP AND COMPASS, HENCE THEY ARE JUST A TOOL TO HELP. Also, a GPS unit has batteries that can die, leaving you without a reliable source of where you are, and how you can get back to the trailhead. But if you see them without “about”, they are from the U.S.F.S. The F.S. has high end gear, and their numbers are accurate. TAKE A MAP & COMPASS, AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM Please take a map and compass on every hike in the mountains you do. By map, I mean a Forest Map of the forest you are hiking in, and a Topo map of the specific area you are visiting. But more importantly, learn how to use them. If you are unfamiliar, take a look at the below url. https://www.ewoc.org This local organization can teach you all you need to know. Even some of the members of the Spokane Mountaineers, have gone thru their courses. The more you know, the safer and more enjoyable, your hikes can be. DO YOUR RESEARCH What do you think, is the most important thing you can take with you, into the mountains? It isn’t necessarily, extra clothes or food. Or even your GPS unit. IT’S KNOWLEDGE. Having said that, when you read the information in our Resources, Hints, Medical Information, Trail Etiquette, or the Weather, Thunderstorms and Lightning sections, they are areas that you should research more thoroughly. TO GET ENTHUSED To get you enthused, go to HIKE, in the drop down menu. Choose an area, and skip the write up for the hikes, and go to the PHOTO GALLERY at the bottom of each write up. When you look at the images, use them as a Travelog. They can inspire you to get ready for Spring, Summer, and Autumn, hiking. Altho we don’t describe the trails, foot by foot, the images that David and I have posted, are in order of what we saw as we hiked the trails. An old adage says, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Our goal in creating our website, is to show you the beauty you can find, all around us. SCIENCE Science has proved that even a five minute hike on a trail, (not concrete or pavement) will improve your state of mind, work your muscles, and improve your spirit and well being. REAL DANGERS I would be remiss if I didn’t say there are real dangers in the mountains. But with proper research and learning how to behave, you too can see the wonders of Nature, first hand. That’s why we do what we do. Thank You All, for reading and using our local website. Chic David https://www.inlandnwroutes.com It has snowed at Stevens Peak already so it’s time to discuss late Autumn and early Winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Please remember, because the sun is shimmy bright in the mountains, means that you have to have pack for the cold temperatures you will find, even on hikes close to Spokane and beyond. The below are some ideas to make your hike more enjoyable. Over Dress Year round I carry an old pair of down ski mittens in the bottom of my pack. On several occasions, I’ve pulled them out because my fellow hiker(s) didn’t have adequate gloves. Other things you might consider taking . Down pants and Down jacket. They stuff into very small stuff sacks and can be of great importance, if needed. Even stopping for lunch can chill us to the bone.
Always carry what you may need, just in case. I’ve been in circumstances where I was very happy to have extra gear. Keeping safe is paramount. Another good thing to have on your phone, is the AirFlare app. It is a rescue app that weighs nothing, and it could just save your life. All you have to do is push the SOS button, and STAY WHERE YOU ARE. If you move, and the rescuers can’t find you, it could mean your life. The very cool thing about AirFlare, is it only cost $4.99 a year. If you are a skier, you will most likely see the resorts suggestion to download the app. Like any hike, snowshoe, or climb, if you have this app, it could save your life, or a buddies life. But be aware. Once you push the button, it take rescue personnel many hours to get to you. To see what a rescue looks like, please read the below BLOG. https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/what-does-a-rescue-look-like Please arm your self with knowledge and the gear you need to make it thru the night. Stay safe, and take care. Chic David https://www.inlandnwroutes.com 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 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 Ever since the corona virus affected all of us, many people have turned to the mountains, lakes and trails to satisfy our need to get out.
Altho that’s okay, it has caused some popular destinations to be overcrowded. Overcrowding will diminish ones hike, and may cause some damage to the areas visited. Some places we all love, are being loved to death. Below are some of those areas: Lower & Upper Stevens Lakes Lone Lake Scotchmans Peak Star Peak Leigh Lake Rock Lake Harrison Lake Beehive Lake Hunt Lake Little Spar Lake Roman Nose Lakes Chimney Rock ( both trails) Pyramid Lakes Two Mouth Lakes When considering where to go on your next hike, please look at other options. Mount Pend Oreille. Incredible views all around. DO NOT MISS THIS IN THE FALL Fault Lake. You get to walk in a real earth fault Abercrombie Mountain Views of the Pend Oreille River Upper Priest Lake Trail #308 On the hottest day of the year, cool off here Hall Mountain. High peak with great area views Blacktail Mountain The view is of the 35 miles of the American Selkirks & Priest Lake Blacktail Overlook 220 degree views of Pend Oreille Lake with PSPW & CMW Granite-Roosevelt Waterfalls and cedars. Cool waterfalls and giant Western Red Cedars Navigation Trail A trail to a pristine lake Red Top Trail #102. A nice hike near the US & Canadian boarder Parker Peak A great ridge line hike with views West Fork Lake, Ridge, and lookout A most spectacular ridge line to walk. DO NOT MISS THE RIDGE. Long Canyon The largest area in Idaho that has never been logged or mined Fisher Peak A high peak overlooking the Crreston Valley Burton Peak An old lookout cabin with views of the spectacular Purcell Trench Myrtle Peak Great views of the Selkirks Bottleneck Lakes & Peak The peak offers great views of the American Selkirks Snow Lake & Peak Can be looped with Bottleneck Lake & Peak The Mollies The view is south down Priest Lake Lions Head Group It has waterfalls, slides, excellent climbing and big bragging rights The Wigwams The very best views of the American Selkirks Standard Lakes Tucked away south of The Wigwams Cedar Lakes Beautiful Lake with towering peak Little Ibex Lake Isolation is in this lakes description Granite Lake A rugged, fluted peak above a pristine high country lake St. Paul Lake The lake is cool, but the many waterfalls are unbelievable Engle Peak A nice hike into the CMW, with views all around Wanless Lakes Secluded high country lakes with a waterfalls Lower & Upper Geiger Lakes & Lost Buck Pass. Views from Lost Buck Pass of Wanless Lake Moose Mountain Views of the PSPW & CMW Pillick Ridge A pleasant hike to Pillick Ridge with outstanding views of the CMW If by chance you do go to any of the listed hikes, please do all you can to preserve the environment. Pick up others trash. Flick branches and twigs off the trails. Check every fire pit for smoldering campfires. (Always carry many plastic grocery bags to extinguish fires) DO NOT EVER CONFRONT LESS THAN CLEAN CAMPERS I’m afraid that areas like Stevens Lakes or Lone Lake are being overused, and new fire pits are scaring the lakes shore lines. HUMAN & DOG WASTE At Stevens Lakes and Lone Lake, their water are used for household purposes in Mullan. Like drinking water. Please take along many dog bags to gather your and your dogs waste. Then double or triple grocery bags to carry your waste out. With all the cuts to the USFS, BLM and other agencies, WE MUST TAKE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO PRESERVE OUR FAVORITE PLACES. By doing so, you may be responsible for the next hikers, to enjoy their favorite places. Your help will enhance others outings. And just maybe, you may be the recipient of others work. There is nothing like doing trail work or cleaning up campsites. It will, in your heart, make you feel like a steward of our lands. Thank You for any help you can give our lands. David and I wold like to Thank You for reading and using our local website. Chic David InlandNWRoutes.com Every year we are plagued with some sort of closures.
2025 is no exception. In each of our hikes write ups, we have included the USFS websites ALERTS URL. This url spells out what closures, causes, and expected rescind date for the various USFS activities. PLEASE REFER TO THESE ALERTS OR CALL THE RANGER DISTRICT, LISTED IN THE FIRST SECTION OF EACH HIKE. By doing so, days in advance of your hike, you can make informed decisions on the area you wish to hike in. PLEASE take heed of the punishment for violating the USFS notices. As you can see, the cost of violating these orders is steep and can cause jail time. If by chance you can not reach the USFS, or their ALERTS, pick a different area to play in. For instance….Bunco Road north of CDA, has a timber sale about to begin. That means North Chilco Mountains Roads BUNCO ROAD, # 332 and # 385 are closed to the north access. Years ago, a hiking buddy and I drove more than 3 hours, only to find the road to where we were going to, was closed. We had to drive an extra hour to get to the trailhead, via an alternative route. PLEASE click on ALERTS for each hike, or contact the RANGER DISTRICT listed above our ALERT NOTICE, at least 3 days in advance of your trip. For BLM LANDS, click on this url....https://www.blm.gov/info/notices Centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin said this…. "IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU ARE PLANNING TO FAIL." Thank You all for reading and using our local website. Chic David InlandMWRoutes.com |
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