Take a hike

One of the greatest perks about living in the Coeur d'Alene area is that you do not need to go far for a vacation.

From skiing to biking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, this area has it all.

If any of you feel like I do, after a long winter, and three restless little boys in the house, I am more than ready for a vacation.

This summer, however, my family and I are taking our "vacations" as we explore different hikes in the area. I cannot think of a better way for kids to get outside, explore and enjoy nature. It is also a great way to spend time together as a family.

Over the course of the summer I will explore five different hikes, providing you with all the information you need to know to enjoy it too.

I will cover details such as mileage, directions, viewpoints and of course the answers to the most important questions will be answered, such as, "How far can a 3-year-old walk this trail by himself?" So this summer join me as my family and I explore hiking.

If your kids are anything like mine, they will come home with their pockets full of treasures. By treasures I mean rocks, sticks, bugs and sometimes things unidentifiable (Sometimes it is best not to know.). All along the trail they get to be scientists.

The first hike we went on this season was to Mineral Point Trail in Sagle. We went on Memorial weekend and it just so happened to be a beautiful day; sunny, but not too warm. Perfect hiking weather.

Now for the directions. To get to Mineral Point Trail travel north on Highway 95. Sagle is only about a 45-minute drive from Coeur d'Alene. Turn right off Highway 95 onto Sagle Road. This will take you straight to Garfield Bay. We stopped here and ate our lunch. There is a nice grassy area with picnic tables and a beach. From here follow Garfield Bay Road to Green Bay Cutoff Road. Soon after it turns into a gravel road turn right onto the Mineral Point Road No. 532. Travel about two miles, and this will take you directly to the trailhead.

There is an outhouse and a picnic bench at the trailhead and a couple of benches along the trail. We started down the trail and before long came to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. This is a single track trail with easy rolling hills and switchbacks. This would be a great trail to run. It is also open to mountain bikers and dog walkers, all of whom we ran into.

This trail will lead you roughly two miles to the Greenbay Campground, where there is an actual swim area. However, we did not make it that far.

The answer to the question, "How far can a 3 year-old-walk this trail by himself?" was answered. About 1 mile, and then he bummed a ride on dad's shoulders.

This was an easy trail, great for kids, with beautiful viewpoints. I hope you enjoy the hike as much as I did.

Jennifer Kiracofe resides in Hayden with her husband and three little boys.