Local hiking expert reveals hidden gems

With cooler temperatures and golden leaves scattering the trails, October brings favorable hiking conditions to the Coeur d’Alene area. 

For outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new adventure this fall, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is hosting a special presentation by David Taylor, author of "Urban Trails — Spokane and Coeur d’Alene," on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. 

Taylor is an Idaho resident with many years of hiking experience in the area. He is a member of the Tubbs Hill Foundation and a frequent volunteer with the trail crew. His presentation this week, titled “Hidden Gems — Local Trails Less Traveled,” will offer recommendations for people to explore nature without traveling too far from home. 

“We really believe that this is a beautiful place to live,” said Inland Northwest Land Conservancy Director of Philanthropy Carol Corbin. “The goal is to help us connect with more people in the Coeur d’Alene community who love being outdoors.”

Corbin hopes Taylor’s presentation will inspire people to go outside more often and enjoy the natural beauty of the Inland Northwest. She hopes that appreciating the natural landscape will encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts. 

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that seeks to preserve public land and resources for future generations. Members of the public can volunteer with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy by planting trees, maintaining trails, or working with the organization to legally protect privately owned land from future development.

Entrance to “Hidden Gems — Local Trails Less Traveled” is free, but donations are welcome. Funds go directly to Inland Northwest Land Conservancy's conservation efforts. Space is limited, so register online to reserve a space at inlandnwland.org/event/hidden-gems-local-trails-less-traveled. 

    Riley Stockton and Eliza Taylor, both age 3, enjoying a hike with their family in the Inland Northwest.
 Kelli Taylor