Explore with the Conservation League
The Mountains of North Idaho contain a wide array of spectacular hiking trails, lakes and bike trails, and the Idaho Conservation League wants to make sure people have the opportunity to get out and explore them.
For eight years, the conservation league has offered an annual hiking series in North Idaho. This year's series also includes three kayaking trips, an overnight backpack and a mountain bike ride. With more than 13 excursions planned for this summer and fall, there is something for everyone's interest and ability.
Featured outings include a day of geocaching for treasure seekers of all ages, difficult scrambles across the Selkirk Crest, an afternoon hike and picnic on Mickinnick, and kayak tours of upper Priest Lake and the Clark Fork and Pack River deltas.
Whether a person is new or native to the Idaho Panhandle, the conservation league's Adventure Series is a great way to explore and gain appreciation for Idaho's spectacular peaks, lakes, streams and wildlife.
Other outings include family friendly hikes to stunning alpine lakes, strenuous day hikes to our highest peaks, and a mountain bike ride led by volunteers from the Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers.
Space is limited and registration is required for the free-of-charge excursions.
To sign up for a hike, kayak trip or bike ride, or for more information, visit www.idahoconservation.org or contact the Idaho Conservation League's Sandpoint office at (208) 265-9565.
The 2014 hikes are:
Sunday, July 6, Myrtle Peak - Stunning views of the Selkirks await on this 6-mile round trip hike led by conservation league intern Jansen Rinck. The peak is reached, with an option to descend to Myrtle Lake, which is 1,000 feet below the summit.
Friday, July 18, kayak tour on the Pack River Delta - Join Idaho Department of Fish and Game mitigation biologist Kathy Cousins and conservation league representative Susan Drumheller on a tour of the Pack River Delta. Enjoy the beauty of the delta and hear about the success of the restoration project implemented several years ago. Another restoration project is being planned for the Clark Fork Delta.
Saturday, July 26, kayak tour on the Clark Fork Delta - Explore the Clark Fork Delta with Idaho Fish and Game mitigation biologist Kathy Cousins and Molly McCahon from Lake-A-Syst. Learn about the upcoming restoration project planned for the area and soak in the stunning views of the Green Monarchs, Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountains.
Saturday, Aug. 2, geocaching along the Pack River Delta - Bill Love will lead participants through the basics of geocaching, how to use a GPS, or global positioning system, and how to seek out the hidden treasures of the region. This hike includes an indoor session at the library at 10:30 a.m., followed by a picnic lunch and hike.
Saturday, Aug. 9, Sherwood Forest bike ride - the Kaniksu Land Trust, conservation league and the Pend Oreille Pedalers have teamed up to host a mountain bike ride through recently protected private land that is open to the public. This is an intermediate mountain bike ride on fantastic single-track trails, led by Jim Mellen and Eric Grace.
Sunday, Aug. 10, Fault Lake - Conservation league representative Susan Drumheller will lead a 13-mile round-trip hike that gradually climbs to a beautiful alpine lake and features views of the Selkirk Peaks and scars from the Sundance Fire.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, Mickinnick picinic - Break up your week with a "potluck picnic at the peak" with Eric and Celeste Grace. Enjoy great views and company on this local's favorite hike.
Sunday, Aug. 17, West Fork Lake and Peak - Old growth forests and spectacular vistas await those who embark on this 6-7-mile trek. With hike leader, Nancy Dooley, the conservation league's outreach coordinator.
Sunday, Aug. 31, Snow Lake - The husband and wife duo of Kathy and Larry Nolan will lead a hike past numerous huckleberry bushes to Snow Lake. Optional scramble to the peak for fantastic views exists for the hardy.
Saturday, Sept. 6, Chimney Rock - The conservation league's public lands associate, Brad Smith, will lead participants to the iconic Chimney Rock. Gaze in awe from its base or venture to the saddle for jaw dropping views of the Selkirk Crest and Priest Lake.
Sunday, Sept. 7, Upper Priest Lake Kayak - Paddle up the "Thorofare" to Upper Priest Lake with leader, Rebecca Kemner. Be on the lookout for moose and an incredible array of birds in this protected, scenic area.
Friday, Sept. 12, Big Fisher Lake - Get two stunning lakes, ridgetop views and lots of chances to pick huckleberries on this fantastic hike in the Selkirks led by longtime hiker, John Harbuck.
Sunday, Sept. 14, Beehive Lakes Scramble - Rick Price will lead intrepid hikers on this difficult cross-country, 12-plus mile hike. Strong hikers will see three of the prettiest lakes in the Selkirks as well as amazing views of the Selkirk Crest.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21, Lion's Head Backpack - Jim and Sandi Mellen will lead six hardy backpackers on this difficult, double overnight, off-trail bushwhack and boulder hop, to the peak at Lion's Head.