BLOG #31 THE BEST FALL COLORS HIKES IN OUR REGION

                                                                  FALL COLORS HIKES
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As summer is coming to an end, spring is turning the mountains into a beautiful color wheel.
During the last two weeks of September, and the first two weeks of Roctober, we can enjoy incredible fall colors all around our region.
Below are a few of the best.


Lower & Upper Stevens Lakes & Peak 6838’
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/upper-and-lower-stevens-lake.html

Undoubtedly the best in our region.
Be sure to go to the Upper Lake.


https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/stevens-peak-via-west-willow-ridge-6838.html. 

NOT FOR BEGINNERS
And do this hike/scramble clockwise.
Counter Clockwise is too dangerous on the descent.




Leigh Lake, CMW, MT.
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/leigh-lake.html

Once at the lake, there is a trail along the right (N) shore line.
Across the Leigh Lakes outlet creek is a campsite with different views. 
Be careful crossing on the logs.




Roman Nose Lakes & Peak
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/roman-nose-lakes--peak-idaho.html

Great hike for the kids. Three lakes and an easy very scenic trail.
If you have relatives that are disabled, there’s a board walk around the south shore line. They can fish, with an Idaho Fishing License.
There is a Nature Trail above the first lake.
If you are adventurous, go for Roman Nose Peak.
The views of the Seven Sisters across the Pack River are well worth the effort.




Gypsy Peak
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/gypsy-peak.html


This is a beautiful ridge line hike in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
There is no water source along this trail. Be prepared.
Stash a few water bottles along the upper trail, for the walk out.
BE SURE TO MARK WHERE YOUR STASH IS.


John A. Finch Arboretum 
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/finch-arboretum.html


The Finch Arboretum is a great place to go year round.
But in Roctober, there can be 6-8” of fallen leaves on the ground, with Garden Springs Creek running thru it.
Some areas are ankle deep in yellow leave.






Boundary Dam, Pewee Falls, Crawford State Park- Gardner Cave, and Hwy 31.
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/pewee-falls-pend-orielle-river.html

https://www.parks.wa.gov/492/Crawford

https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/sweet-creek-falls.html


First, the drive up to Boundary Dam is exceptional. Hwy 31 is loaded with fall colors.
Don’t miss the Sweet Water Rest Area and its waterfalls.
Boundary Dam offers tours.
Paddling the Pend Orielle River to Ratt Island and Pewee Falls is a must do.
But do not miss the Gardner Cave. It is only open 5.15 to 9.15



InlandNWRoutes.com


Chic Burge        David Crawford