featured – On the Trail of Adventure

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Nestled in the northern panhandle of Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene stretches across 25 miles, offering a haven for nature lovers, anglers, and adventure seekers alike. This glacially-formed lake, spanning 49 square miles with depths reaching up to 220 feet, has a rich history and a vibrant ecosystem, making it a year-round destination for tourists.

The lake’s name originates from the Coeur d’Alene Native American tribe, who have lived in the region for centuries. European fur traders in the early 19th century dubbed the tribe “Coeur d’Alene,” meaning “heart of an awl,” in reference to their shrewd trading practices. The city of Coeur d’Alene, founded in 1878, grew rapidly with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad and the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Silver, lead, and zinc were extracted from nearby mountains, contributing to the area’s economic development.

In the early 20th century, timber also played a significant role in the region’s economy, with large logging operations taking place around the lake. The historic steamboats that once transported timber and ore now serve as a reminder of the area’s industrious past. Today, Coeur d’Alene has transformed into a vibrant city with a population of approximately 55,000, experiencing steady growth due to its scenic beauty and quality of life.

Anglers are drawn to Lake Coeur d’Alene for its diverse fish population. The lake is home to species such as Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, and kokanee salmon. The variety of fish ensures that whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, there is always a catch waiting. The lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Big One Chinook Derby, attracting anglers from all over the country.

Warmer months invite people who enjoy boating, swimming, and kayaking. The lake’s clear waters and scenic surroundings are also perfect for paddleboarding and jet-skiing. The Coeur d’Alene Resort offers boat rentals and lake tours, providing stunning views of the area. Scenic cruises are available, offering a relaxing way to explore the lake while enjoying commentary on the region’s history and wildlife.

The Fourth of July fireworks show over the lake is another summer highlight, always drawing a large crowd.

As the leaves turn for the approach of Autumn, hiking and biking trails around the lake become a tapestry of Fall colors. These trails offer panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding forests, making them popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Fall is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory birds make their way through the region.

Winter transforms Lake Coeur d’Alene into a serene wonderland. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on trails around the lake, while nearby ski resorts offer downhill skiing and snowboarding.

In terms of natural beauty, Lake Coeur d’Alene is hard to beat. Wolf Lodge Bay is one area known for its wintering bald eagles, this bay is a prime spot for wildlife photography and birdwatching. Each year, hundreds of eagles can be seen soaring above the bay and diving for fish, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. From November to February, these majestic birds flock to the lake to feast on spawning kokanee salmon, creating a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. The area is equipped with viewing stations and information panels to enhance the experience.

The Mineral Ridge hiking trail offers a moderate climb with rewarding views of the lake, especially beautiful during the fall. The 3.3-mile loop trail features interpretive signs that provide information on the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. The trailhead is easily accessible, with parking and picnic facilities available.

True to its name, Beauty Bay is a tranquil spot perfect for picnicking, kayaking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The bay offers a quiet escape from the busier parts of the lake, with calm waters ideal for paddleboarding and swimming. Several campgrounds in the area provide a rustic, yet comfortable, overnight experience.

Located at the eastern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Higgens Point is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and eagle watching. The area offers a boat launch, making it a convenient starting point for lake exploration. Higgens Point is also part of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, a 24-mile paved path perfect for biking and walking.

There are also a lot of local attractions people can enjoy while in the area. A centerpiece of the area, the resort is famous for its floating green golf course, luxurious spa, and fine dining. The resort’s marina provides various watercraft for rental, making it easy to explore the lake. The resort also features the world’s longest floating boardwalk, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The downtown area is bustling with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Hudson’s Hamburgers, a local institution since 1907, is a must-visit for a classic American burger. Just down the road, Schmidty’s Burgers is another eatery deeply engrained in the community. The downtown area also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular ArtWalk, which showcases local artists’ work in galleries and businesses.

The Art Spirit Gallery features contemporary works by local and regional artists, offering a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. It is a cultural hub in the downtown area, hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Also in the downtown area, McEuen Park offers a large playground, a splash pad, and walking paths. The park’s waterfront location provides beautiful views of the lake and easy access to Tubbs Hill.

Adjacent to downtown, Tubbs Hill offers hiking trails with beautiful lake views, picnic spots, and secluded beaches perfect for a summer swim. The two – mile loop trail around the hill provides easy access to the natural beauty of the area, with interpretive signs highlighting the local ecology and geology.

Just a short drive from the lake, Silverwood is the largest theme park in the Northwest, offering rides and attractions for all ages. The park features roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment, making it a perfect family destination.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is not just a body of water; it’s a year-round destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re casting a line, hiking a trail, or simply soaking in the scenery, this Idaho gem has something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse recreational opportunities, and vibrant local culture, Lake Coeur d’Alene continues to captivate visitors and locals alike.

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The Simple Paradise of Potholes State Park

May 7, 2020 Matthew O. Stephens

Washington state has some really incredible state parks, and Potholes State Park is an amazing place to visit. Sitting on close to 800 acres, it is aptly named for the geological features of the area. Ice Age activity left a pattern of divots and channels through the area, and since the construction of the O’Sullivan Dam the landscape has a definitive series of “pothole” lakes. These smaller pothole lakes are about 30-45 minutes away from the actual state park though, as it borders the deeper waters more suitable for boating and fishing as pointed out by the Washington State Parks website.

Potholes Reservoir

Treeline in the park

Squirrel

Goose

Several sections of the park are lined with these trees

Owl

Animals can be found aplenty during certain times of the year, and that includes eagles, owls, geese, and various mammals that wander through the park. It is also nearby the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, which can make for a nice drive while in the area. Wildlife can be found wandering through the arid brushland, finding food or drinking from the freshwater pools. People can camp at Potholes, and according to www.stateparks.com it features 61 tent spaces, and 60 utility spaces. There are also a handful of cabins available to rent, and pets are allowed in certain cabins with an extra fee.

Eagle

Owl with Owlet

Cabin

Killdeer

Woodpecker

Robin tossing leaves

Squirrel

Referring back to Washington State Parks the fishing is pretty solid, and features large mouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, and yellow perch. Also plenty of open water for the people that simply want to get out in the boats and feel the air. When looking to the air, visitors can expect to see a plethora of birds. Small birds such as plovers and killdeer can be seen darting about the grass, while raptors such as owls and eagles will be seen during certain times of the year. A wide open park area has picnic tables scattered about, and there are also 2 covered stations for people to eat if needed. Several miles of hiking trails are great for park visitors after they have seen the immaculate waterfront. Being a state park, visitors do need to either have a Discover Pass or purchase a day or year pass from the automated kiosk on site.

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Gardner Cave: A Walk Through Time

May 30, 2019 Matthew O. Stephens

Gardner Cave is about as far north as you can get in Washington before going into Canada. Low and behold there is even a hiking trail leading to the 49th parallel, and the trail takes roughly 30-40 minutes to hike both ways. It’s a fun little side expedition while waiting for one of the guided cave tours to start. These are the two highlight activities available in Crawford State Park, which in itself seems like a pretty average place at first glance. Designated as a day use park Crawford does not offer camping, however campsites are available about a mile a way at Boundary Dam. The only fees associated are the fact that visitors will need a Discover Pass as is standard for Washington State Parks. The cave is the most common reason visitors come to see the area though, and that is for good reason.

The cave itself was first discovered by Ed Gardner while he was riding his horse. As the tale is told Gardner’s horse stumbled into a soft spot that he would eventually discover to be the cave. Some sources say it was found as early as 1899, but other accounts credit Gardner’s find around 1903. The very early history of the cave is not very well known, although most agree it was used to hide Gardner’s bootlegging business. He would later lose his land to William Crawford during a game of poker as legend has it. Crawford would in turn donate the land to become part of the Washington State Parks system. Holly Weiler explains that in the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps installed some picnic areas. Her publication on Out There Outdoors also shares that the cave was not updated for tourism until the 1950’s while the most recent installations happened in 1977.

The geologic history spans a much greater timeline however, and some sources such as this report on the Washington Trails Association website date the cave at 500 million years old. Dated that far back, the site was actually an ocean floor at the time. The process of decomposition in the shells of sea creatures eventually produced a sort of slime that would harden into limestone through time. As tectonic plates shifted and moved, the were times when the limestone would also shift creating gaps and cracks. This would allow the moisture to run through the surface and down to create geologic formations. Being the 3rd longest limestone cave in Washington, Gardner Cave has a plethora of formations. These geologic structures as explained by Washington State Parks include stalactites, stalagmites, with some rimstone pools, and flowstone. Gardner Cave is also home to one of the most impressive columns in the region, and researchers estimate it to weigh nearly 8 tons. A column is formed when a stalactite meets a stalagmite, and spans from the cave floor to the ceiling. The tour guides explain these processes and much more during the actual tour, and for me it was a very educational and valuable experience.

The place isn’t too tough to find, and driving directions from Spokane, Washington are pretty straightforward.

Follow U.S. Highway 2 North, then turn left on State Route 211 toward Usk. Reaching highway 20 head north along the Pend O’Reille River. Upon reaching Tiger, take SR 31 toward Metaline. Keep an eye out for Boundary Road in Metaline and take a left turning uphill. Simply follow the signs from there. Google maps will also lead right to it for those with access to GPS via cell phone.

Thanks for reading!

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Lake Lenore Caves

May 26, 2019 Matthew O. Stephens

Located in central Washington, the Lake Lenore Caves are a nice place to relax and catch some awesome views. Hiking up the path from the parking lot, the trails are well defined and easy to follow. Concrete stairs lead to the top of a section of basalt, and the trails splits at that point. The easier terrain to navigate leads to the right, while also offering a more direct route to the caves. The caves are very easy to find, as the trail leads right to them. They are not extremely expansive by any means, but the caves are large enough for a group to sit and eat lunch or find a cool spot to rest for a bit. Some more challenging landscapes are off to the left, and hikers should lead with caution when walking that path. From what I understand, there are signs posted at points to show some dangerous areas that are not recommended for hiking. Another thing hikers should keep in mind is to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, as pointed out by the Washington Trails Association.

Geologically this area was formed during the last ice age, during a time of immense flooding. Torrential waters raced through the area, and ripped away chunks of basalt creating many of the ravines that can be found in Washington state. Since then, the natural process of water getting into crevices in the basalt then repeatedly freezing and warming have hollowed out the caves. The caves also bear a bit of a social history also, as natives were known to utilize them close to 5,000 years ago. It is thought the caves were seasonal shelters, in which some of the natives would live and work there gathering plants, fish, and other supplies. Spring and Summer would have been the most active, but as the seasons changed the natives would return to the permanent villages. As mentioned on the website Only in Your State, some of the native petroglyphs can still be found along the walls.

Room with a view

Basalt cliff behind the caves

In a crevice looking out

Deepest part I could find

Stairs leading to split trails

Looking back along the trail

Looking back into one of the narrow caves

Bowl at the end of the official trail

Another cave view

View from the top

Standing on the ridgeline, visitors can catch great views of Lake Lenore below which has a bit of an interesting story as well. As explained by Heather Carr on Insteading.com the lake was once thought to be uninhabitable. It was thought the geology of the area created an alkaline ph in the water that wouldn’t support life, so the military actually used it for a dumping ground at one point in time. In 1947 the War Assets Administration had to dispose of 10 tons of metallic sodium, and they couldn’t find anyone willing to risk transporting it. So the decision was made to drop the stuff into Lake Lenore, because the reaction would destroy the sodium. Once the metallic sodium reacted with water, it would explode and release sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas, and a lot of heat.

Here is a link to a YouTube video showing the disposal: The Disposal of Sodium, 1947

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Hiking Hog Lake

April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 Matthew O. Stephens

This nice little landscape will take you through various scenes along the trail. The main looping trail here is a pretty easy hike, as the main loop is under 2 miles. There are other pathways that explorers can use to extend this hike a bit, and some of them skirt right along the lake’s edge. The terrain is easily manageable in most areas, but can become muddy in spots. As hikers progress along the trail, there will be notices of private property and trail users should respect those notices. The best time to hike through the area is early to mid Spring, as the wildflowers will be coloring the hillsides. The Washington Trails Association points out that Arrowleaf Balsamroot will be plentiful in the Spring, and that is also the best time to see the other wildflower varieties. The waterfall will also be at it’s strongest flow during this time of year.

The lake is open in the Winter for fishing as well, as it opens the Friday after Thanksgiving as stated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is a relatively popular trail, and can be used by people of any skill level as suggested by AllTrails.com. The trails out there are great for dogs but keep them on a leash and keep them away from the edge of the higher cliffs. Hikers will also be able to potentially see a variety of songbirds and larger wildlife. Deer have been seen in the area, and once in a while a coyote is spotted. Smaller mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and other animals can be spotted along the trails as well. Visitors should also be aware that insects and spiders will also be found as the weather warms up. Hikers may also encounter some smaller snakes on the rocks overlooking the lake, and the vast beauty continues throughout the entire hike.

Overlooking the waterfall

Hog Lake Falls Long Exposure

Hog Lake Falls

Hog Lake through the Lensball

Down by the water

Snake

Looking over the lake

Shoreline view

View of one of the ponds along the way

Hog Lake through the Lensball view 2

There are no fees or passes required to visit the area, which is another great reason to visit Hog Lake. The trails are all pretty easy to identify and follow, although as mentioned on The Washington Trails Association it is possible to become confused with some of the cattle trails that scatter the hillside. As I mentioned above however there are property boundary signs, which are private property markers for the farms surrounding the area. That is also the reasoning for some of the gates people may encounter along their journey at Hog Lake. A trip report on theoutbound.com mentions those same gates, but goes on to mention the incredible views to be encountered along the trails. Also claiming that some of the best landscape photos can be taken on the ridge-lines that carry the trail along the cliff’s edge. It is truly an experience to make time for, and one that will be sure to create a great hiking adventure.