Take a hike

Locals and visitors alike will gain new appreciation for Idaho's spectacular peaks, lakes, streams and wildlife with the Idaho Conservation League's 6th annual summer hike series.

With 17 excursions planned for this summer and fall, ICL's hike series offers something for every ability and interest.

"We are very excited about this year's diverse summer hike series," said Nancy Dooley, ICL North Idaho outreach coordinator. "As always there is something for every ability and interest."

Featured hikes include a hike near up Chilco Mountain with ICL's North Idaho Conservation Associate; an overnight backpack in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness near Priest Lake; a hike to the highest mountain in the Selkirks; a hike to paint and draw at Lake Estelle in the Cabinet Mountains and a kayak tour of the Clark Fork Delta on Lake Pend Oreille.

Each of these hikes are lead by volunteers who know and care about the area and will share their enthusiasm with fellow hikers, Dooley said.

ICL offers this summer hike series each year to entice people to go out and play in the beautiful lands and waterways of our region.

"We believe that people who play in wilderness care about wilderness and will join us in our work to protect our wild lands," Dooley said. "Besides, it's fun, a great way to meet like-minded folks and offers the opportunity to explore unknown areas and trails."

All hikes are free but registration is required and space is limited. ICL also offers a reduced $15 membership to all participants.

Hikers should wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing and bring what we refer to as the hiking essentials:

• Water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, rain shell and a first aid kit

• Overnight trips require your own tent, pad and sleeping bag, adequate food for the trip, a stove to share and appropriate clothing as well.

Featured outings include a day of geocaching for treasure seekers of all ages, an overnight backpack into the old growth forests of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area, an alpine lake hike lead by Arts Alliance instructor for a plein-air session and a Leave No Trace hike with Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education.

Other hikes include family friendly hikes to and along stunning lakes, strenuous day outings to our highest peaks, and even a hike with dogs from the Panhandle Animal Shelter along the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail.

To sign up for a hike or for more information, visit www.idahoconservation.org or contact the Idaho Conservation League's Sandpoint office at (208) 265-9565.

• Saturday, June 16 - Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail, Family Fun Hike

• Saturday, June 23 - Maiden Rock, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, July 7 - Chilco Mountain, Coeur d'Alene

• Saturday, July 14 - Myrtle Peak, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, July 14 and 15 - Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area Overnight

• Friday, July 20 - Roman Nose Family Fun Hike, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, July 21 - Iron Mountain Loop, Selkirk Mountains

• Sunday, July 22 - Lake Estelle Hike and Art with Arts Alliance, Cabinets

• Sunday, July 29 - Peak 7709, Highest Peak in the Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, Aug. 4 - Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail Family Fun Hike

• Saturday, Aug. 11 - Harrison Lake Leave No Trace Hike with Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, Aug. 18 - Kayak Tour of Clark Fork Delta, Lake Pend Oreille

• Saturday, Aug. 25 - Bottleneck Lake, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, Sept. 8 - Pyramid and Ball Lakes, Selkirk Mountains

• Sunday Sept. 16 - Harrison to Beehive Scramble, Selkirk Mountains

• Saturday, Sept. 22 - Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail Dog Walk with Panhandle Animal Shelter